From mid-January, the buzz in Melbourne is palpable. Alcaraz and Sabalenka arrive in town. Rod Laver Arena becomes the city’s spiritual heart. Fans spill into bars, seeking refuge from the sweltering summer heat. And everyone is glued to the Australian Open. But the tennis tournament – a world-class Melbourne icon – is no longer just about the sport but the style, with fashion on and off the court increasingly becoming its own event. Whether you’re sitting courtside or picking up a racquet yourself, here’s what to wear for the 2025 tennis season.

Courtside chic

So you’ve scored some tickets to centre court? A quick primer: the tennis is not the races, nor a nightclub. Leave the heels and sequins at home and dress instead in breezy linens, pared-back neutrals and a stylish, sun-smart straw hat (just make sure the brim isn’t too broad – you wouldn’t want to impede your fellow spectators’ view).

Lorenzo Shirt Dress, $550 from Viktoria and Woods, Level 2

Sabina Hat, $325 from Helen Kaminski, Ground Floor
Beam Woven Bucket Bag, $159 from Aje, Level 2

Sports day

There’s nothing like watching the Australian Open to inspire you to partake in a spot of tennis yourself. Head to the Wilson Sporting Goods Emporium pop-up to pick up a racquet – or have yours strung in store every Thursday between 10am and 6pm. Then treat yourself to some training gear (fresh sneakers, a comfy sports skirt) and you’ll be serving not just aces, but looks.

Pro Staff Precision RXT 105 Tennis Racquet, $129.95 from Wilson Sporting Goods, Level 1

Championship XC Tennis 4-Ball Can, $11.95 from Wilson Sporting Goods, Level 1

Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes, $110 from Adidas Performance, Level 1

Open Knit Skirt 646, $146 from Aje, Level 2

Pimms party

The ingredients of the perfect tennis viewing party: a floaty, floral dress, fun flats and jugs of Pimm’s, the drink of choice at Wimbledon. Although you could also mix lemonade, vodka and raspberry liquor to make a Honey Deuce, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser (especially during five-set thrillers) which went viral at the 2024 US Open.

Rahni Asym Dress, $390 from Bec & Bridge, Level 2

Gleam Slide, $675 from Zimmermann, Level 2

Bernadotte Low Tumbler Crystal Glass (set of 6), $115 from Georg Jensen, Level 1