Tennis Star Transforms Australian Open into a Fashion Runway: Channels Iconic Looks of Sharapova, Ivanovic, and More

Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has a unique passion – she collects vintage tennis outfits, each with its own remarkable story.

The prestigious Australian Open, held in Melbourne starting January 12, has featured many memorable moments. One standout participant is 24-year-old Destanee Aiava, currently ranked 195th globally. Competing on home soil, she naturally attracts the attention of local fans. However, their fascination lies less in match scores and more in Aiava’s distinctive and fashionable on-court appearances. Each match becomes a style showcase, reflecting her extraordinary hobby.

Aiava openly shares that during breaks from intense training and global tournaments, she often browses eBay and other online platforms searching for vintage tennis dresses. But her collection isn’t just any attire – it features iconic outfits once worn by tennis legends. At the Australian Open, she has already paid homage to Maria Sharapova (US Open 2012), Ana Ivanovic (US Open 2010), and Caroline Wozniacki (US Open 2013), with plans to continue delighting fans. These athletes are her idols, alongside Serena Williams whom she deeply admires.

This passion for tennis fashion not only draws attention but also helps Aiava navigate challenging times. Several years ago, her career faced a steep decline, nearly leading to tragedy. Consecutive losses resulted in Nike terminating their sponsorship contract, and prize money was often delayed. At one point, Aiava’s bank account was overdrawn by $35, humorously calling herself bankrupt.

Yet, financial struggle was not her gravest challenge. Feeling hopeless and battling personal issues, Aiava walked onto a car bridge on Easter evening 2022, contemplating ending her life. This incident became public months later when she courageously shared her story on social media. Three strangers intervened, persuading her not to jump and ensuring she got home safely. This moment marked the beginning of her new chapter.

“Sometimes, the people you meet make you feel unworthy of love. But in the end, I realized: ‘God is faithful, who will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with temptation will also provide a way of escape, so that you can endure it,’” Aiava wrote.

While perfection in sports is an ongoing pursuit, Aiava’s hardest battles are behind her. Many view this season as a breakthrough, and she competes confidently in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the Australian Open. Despite critics, particularly targeting her physique, Aiava chooses polite responses over confrontation, striving to educate rather than escalate negativity.

Some skeptics argue that at Aiava’s age, reaching top rankings from her current position is nearly impossible. However, she sets realistic goals, valuing the joy of playing prestigious tournaments and her renewed love for tennis as triumphs in themselves. The unpredictable nature of sports means anything can happen.

Photos: Getty Images, Legion-Media.ru, East News, social media

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