US Open 2009: Fashion Hits and Misses

The final Grand Slam of the tennis season, and of the decade, is upon us. Under the bright lights of New York, the world's best have a chance to shine by displaying their consistency and talent in front of a bold, brash, and beautiful crowd, with the aim of holding the US Open trophy in two weeks' time.
But who is shining sartorially? This slideshow will take a look, for the last time this year, at A-list and Z-list outfits, as worn by the tennis showstoppers.

Roger Federer: Hit

Federer always keeps things simple, with bold blocks of colour and collared shirts; this Slam is no different. Keeping with last year's theme, the emphasis is on a bright reddish orange shirt with black touches; or, for the night session, a black ensemble with daring red touches. The "subway" dots (or really, just spots) add a small detail to an otherwise classy outfit.
The RF jacket that can now be bought by fans on site just exudes sophistication; if a little over-exaggeration of the RF brand...

Rafael Nadal: Hit

Nadal always goes bold, bold, bold with his colour choices (who can forget the cherry pink and sunshine yellow at this year's French Open?) and at Flushing Meadows, there is no exception.
A bright turquoise combined with the same sunshine yellow, however, looks fresh and bright in the New York heat; a great mix of shades for the Spaniard's olive skin and smiley outlook.
The collared shirt style remains; will the tennis have improved since early summer?

Serena Williams: Hit

Serena in cerise. A beautiful matchup. Once again, simple shapes and simple lines in this outfit from Nike, but the black and purple mix demonstrate the right balance of girlish desires and professionalism. The bold jewelery, so typical of Serena, only adds to the drama.
The pink trainers, however, seem a little heavy for the look...

Venus Williams: Miss?

A beautiful shape for the older of the Williams sisters and once again we see feminine colours taking precedence. Shocking pink with a dazzling vertical stripe to add interest certainly seems appropriate under the sunny skies of New York and stand out well against the blue hard courts.
But there is branding, and then branding. The size of the "Eleven" logo on her back, the clothing brand designed by Venus, seems brash even by New York standards.

Maria Sharapova: Hit?

The vote is still out on this one. Definitely a bold look for the Russian, and one cannot doubt that it echoes many currents trends for women's fashion—body-con, paneling, and geometric shapes—but for a tennis outfit? Nevertheless, New York is certainly the most appropriate location for such a fashion-forward ensemble. Tiffany and Co. earrings, displayed in the universally recognised brand's home, add a sophisticated touch.
One final "maybe": should Maria stick to a no-headband look? The space-age strip adorning her forehead looks strangely out of place. Perhaps we will get used to it...

Andy Roddick: Hit

For someone who does not seem that interested in fashion, Roddick certainly looks good in his Lacoste sportswear and this US Open is no exception. Simple lines and colours—dark blue, almost black, and white check in this year's case—suit Roddick's personality and tennis style completely.

Jelena Jankovic: Miss?

A more subdued style for the usually flamboyant Miss Jankovic at this year's US Open, this being the only reason for the "Miss" caption. The flame red shade is certainly striking, but the style remains simple and sporty rather than feminine.
Perhaps the Serb wishes the spectators to focus on her tennis game rather than her clothing in New York...

Paul Henri-Mattieu: Miss

A fashion slideshow for this year's US Open would not be complete without a mention of this outfit... unfortunately, for negative reasons.
A weird, spiraling animal-shaped print of the back of Mathieu's t-shirt is something that should never be repeated...
(Photo to be edited in due course)

Gael Monfils: Hit

The Sliderman is back... with the same muscle-bearing sleeveless tops and long shorts, this time in turquoise and white for the US Open.
A great combination with the Frenchman's skin tone and electric game—and with the blue-green Flushing Meadows hardcourts.