Tennis has always held a unique place in the world of sports. It’s a game of intense physical prowess, but it’s also one of elegance, style, and high drama. This combination has allowed tennis to transcend the court and embed itself deeply into the fabric of pop culture. From blockbuster movies and chart-topping songs to high-fashion runways, the influence of tennis is everywhere, proving that the sport is as much a cultural phenomenon as it is an athletic contest.
This post will explore the fascinating relationship between tennis and pop culture. We’ll look at how the sport has been represented in film, how it has inspired musicians, and how its unique fashion sense has influenced global style trends. Join us as we uncover how a game of serves and volleys became a certified pop culture icon.
Tennis on the Silver Screen: From Rom-Coms to Biopics
The inherent drama of a tennis match—the one-on-one battle, the psychological warfare, and the potential for a stunning comeback—makes it perfect material for cinema. Hollywood has long been fascinated with the world of tennis, using it as a backdrop for stories of love, rivalry, and personal triumph.
The Romantic Comedy: Wimbledon (2004)
Perhaps the most famous tennis movie of all time, Wimbledon captured the hearts of audiences with its charming story. The film follows a fading British tennis player (Paul Bettany) who gets a wildcard entry into Wimbledon and finds his game, and love, with an up-and-coming American star (Kirsten Dunst).
The film perfectly encapsulates the magic of the tournament—the hallowed grass courts, the all-white attire, and the immense pressure of playing on the world’s biggest stage. It successfully translated the tension of a five-set thriller into a compelling romantic narrative, introducing a new generation of fans to the drama of the sport.
The Biopic: King Richard (2021) and Borg vs McEnroe (2017)
More recently, filmmakers have delved into the real-life stories behind the sport’s biggest legends, showcasing the sacrifice and dedication required to become a champion.
- King Richard tells the incredible true story of Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, and his unwavering determination to turn his daughters into tennis superstars. The film, for which Will Smith won an Oscar, is a powerful look at family, ambition, and the breaking of barriers in a predominantly white sport.
- Borg vs McEnroe focuses on the legendary rivalry between the cool, composed Björn Borg and the fiery, volatile John McEnroe, culminating in their epic 1980 Wimbledon final. The film is a masterful study in contrasts, exploring the immense psychological pressure these athletes face and the different ways they cope with it.
These films, along with others like Battle of the Sexes (2017), which chronicles the famous 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, use tennis to explore deeper themes of rivalry, social change, and the human spirit.
The Sound of Tennis: From Hip-Hop to Indie Pop
Tennis has also found its way into the world of music, with artists referencing the sport and its stars in their lyrics. These references often use tennis as a metaphor for success, competition, or a luxurious lifestyle.
A Symbol of Aspiration
In the world of hip-hop, tennis is frequently used as a symbol of wealth and elite status. Jay-Z, a known tennis fan who has attended Wimbledon with his wife Beyoncé, has referenced the sport in his music. The imagery of watching a match from a private box or having a personal tennis court represents a level of success that many artists aspire to.
Rappers like Drake have also name-dropped tennis stars, particularly Serena Williams, celebrating her dominance and cultural impact. For these artists, Serena is not just an athlete; she is a symbol of Black excellence, power, and breaking through boundaries.
Indie Pop and the Tennis Aesthetic
Indie pop bands have also embraced the visual aesthetic of tennis. The New York-based band Vampire Weekend, known for their preppy, Ivy League-inspired style, heavily incorporated the “country club” look into their early music videos and album art. Their song “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” even features the lyric, “Is your bed made? Is your sweater on?,” which evokes the classic, clean-cut imagery associated with the sport.
The visual of a sun-drenched tennis court, classic polo shirts, and vintage rackets has become a popular motif in music videos, representing a kind of nostalgic, retro-cool.
From the Court to the Catwalk: Tennis Fashion
Perhaps the most significant impact tennis has had on pop culture is in the realm of fashion. The sport’s unique blend of athletic function and classic style has influenced designers and everyday fashion for decades.
The Birth of Sportswear as Casual Wear
The polo shirt is a perfect example of tennis’s fashion legacy. Originally designed by French tennis player René Lacoste in the 1920s as a more comfortable alternative to the formal shirts worn at the time, the Lacoste polo, with its iconic crocodile logo, became one of the first pieces of sportswear to be adopted as casual fashion.
Similarly, the Stan Smith shoe from Adidas, named after the American tennis champion, has transcended its origins as a tennis shoe to become one of the most iconic and best-selling sneakers of all time. It is a staple of street style, worn by everyone from fashion models to high school students.
The “Tenniscore” Trend
In recent years, the “tenniscore” aesthetic has exploded in popularity. This trend embraces the classic, preppy style of tennis, both on and off the court. Key elements include pleated tennis skirts, sweater vests, polo shirts, and crisp white sneakers. Brands like Tory Burch and Sporty & Rich have built entire collections around this clean, athletic, and effortlessly chic look.
The trend has been fueled by social media, where influencers and celebrities are often seen sporting tennis-inspired outfits. The pleated skirt, in particular, has become a massive fashion item, demonstrating how a piece of functional sportswear can become a mainstream style statement.
Player Endorsements and Collaborations
Top players are no longer just athletes; they are global brand ambassadors and fashion influencers.
- Roger Federer’s long-standing partnership with Nike produced a line of classic, elegant apparel under his “RF” logo. His move to the Japanese brand Uniqlo further solidified his status as a global style icon, valued as much for his off-court sophistication as his on-court grace.
- Serena Williams has taken fashion to another level with her own clothing line, “S by Serena,” and collaborations with designers like Virgil Abloh of Off-White. Her on-court outfits have consistently made headlines, pushing the boundaries of traditional tennis attire and making powerful statements about individuality and motherhood.
Actionable Next Steps: Embrace the Culture
The influence of tennis on pop culture is a testament to the sport’s timeless appeal. It’s a game that offers a unique combination of athleticism, drama, and style.
- For Fans: Deepen your appreciation for the sport by exploring its cultural footprint. Watch classic tennis movies, listen for references in your favorite songs, and notice how on-court styles are influencing what you see in stores.
- For Players: Let the culture of tennis inspire your own style. Whether you prefer the classic all-white look of Wimbledon or the bold, colorful outfits of the US Open, there is a rich history of fashion to draw from. Wear what makes you feel confident and ready to perform.
Ultimately, the story of tennis and pop culture is one of mutual influence. The sport provides the world with heroes, drama, and a timeless aesthetic, and in return, pop culture cements tennis’s place as one of the most stylish and compelling games on the planet.
