Serena Williams hits a forehand return to Germany's Tatjana Maria during their first-round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday.Credit:AP
Williams,who crushed German Tatjana Maria 6-0 6-2 in just 49 minutes on Tuesday,appeared in a sporty turquoise Nike romper with white and black stripes,a departure from the all-black"tutu"uniform designed by Virgil Abloh that she wore atlast year's US Open.
Returning to Rod Laver Arena for the first time since beating older sister Venus while pregnant in the 2017 final,Williams ignited her quest for the 24th grand slam title at the Australian Open on the back of three straight-set wins at the Hopman Cup in Perth.
According to a statement from Nike,which also sponsors Australian Nick Kyrgios,the Australian Open collection"takes inspiration from early Nike Tennis DNA... This look was made iconic by Andre Agassi in the'90s".
Serena Williams walks to receive serve during her first-round match against Germany's Tatjana Maria at the Australian Open on Tuesday.Credit:AP
In his playing days,Agassi,who coaches Bulgarian 20th-seed Grigor Dimitrov,made bold on-court choices including denim shorts and neon colours,with the exception of Wimbledon,which has a strict white dress code.
In addition to Williams'custom dress,Nike said Kyrgios is the only player to wear his model of shoe,named the"Kryie 5". And Maria Sharapova has debuted the Nike denim dress from the same range.
Vintage Andre Agassi at the 1995 French Open.Credit:Fairfax Archives