It’s a dilemma faced by every gym-going women on the face of the earth – to be fashionable or practical. Whilst, few of the fairer sex would consider tottering along a treadmill in a pair of stilettos or doing some bench-presses in their tightest LBD, it wouldn’t be a generalisation to say that most of us want to look good when working out. The problem is, as many of us know only too well, looking fashionable whilst exercising can sometimes be a tough ask. Nobody wants to look like an overstuffed spandex sausage but, equally, few would want to be sweating through an outfit plainly not suited for the task at hand. However, all is not lost. Because, in the world of women’s professional tennis, one can find plenty of examples of women who can win both in the fashion stakes and on the court. See below for our favourite on-court fashionistas of women’s tennis.

Venus Williams

Whilst Serena Williams may have made some more notorious fashion choices over the years (knee-high, leather tennis shoes anyone?), sister Venus just beats her due to the fact the tennis star has, in fact, started her own clothing line! Venus’ line is called Eleven and features elegant and structured work-out gear which mixes sturdy practicality with high-end flourishes. The 2014 Toronto Masters finalist, has since become known for her trendy zip-detailing and somewhat controversial slitted skirts.

Since launching Eleven in 2011, Venus has mixed showing-off her commercial and simpler creations at tour events, whilst exhibiting bold statement pieces at the Grand Slams. Classics from Venus’s Grand Slam wardrobe include an elegant and flowing keyhole number at Wimbledon, a saucy red and lace creation at Roland Garros and a quirky, Alice in Wonderland-inspired mesh showstopper at the Australian Open. Given this prior experimentation, Venus may be a long shot for this year’s French Open title (having odds of only 100/1 according to Bet365) but she will be a sure-fire bet in the fashion stakes!

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova may have had to withdraw from a recent tournament in Mexico due to a stomach-virus, but there is nothing sickening about the blonde bombshell choice of stunning tennis attire. Of course, the 6ft something Sharapova, equipped with endless legs to boot, would look good in pretty much anything but, even with this being considered, she still has impeccable taste.

Sharapova has always been good at mixing timeless elegance with a fashion-forward edge. If it be a shocking splash of neon or a classy dash of lace, Maria knows how to make a statement without going overboard. Dressed exclusively by Nike, Sharapova always looks knowingly fashionable without ever indicating that her performance on court isn’t her number one priority.

Bethanie Mattek Sands

The media-proclaimed Lady Gaga of the tennis world, Bethanie Mattek Sands’ fashion sense is as fearless as her attack orientated game. If it be a leopard print corset, a jacket studded with tennis balls or knee-high socks, Mattek Sands’ pulls it all off in style.

Decked out with a tattooed sleeve and bleach blonde hair, Mattek Sands is outrageous like a rock-star but never garish like a try-hard. If Venus is high-end and Sharapova is timeless, Sands is camp kitsch and all the better for it.

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