Archival images revisit tennis legends who influenced court style

Fairchild Archive has released early outtakes documenting the evolution of tennis fashion from the 1960s through the early 1980s. The collection features prominent figures including Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Stan Smith, Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Guillermo Vilas, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert Lloyd. These athletes are noted for their role in establishing early commercial partnerships with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Fila, Head, Ellesse, and Coca Cola. The coverage emphasizes how these players transitioned from on-court competitors to fashion influencers, shaping the aesthetic of the sport during its rise in popularity. The release coincides with the U.S. Open and highlights the historical connection between athletic performance and professional branding.

• 4:01 AMYahoo Sports — From the Archive: Tennis GOATs Who Defined Original Center Court Style