The spotlight is shining brightly on Destanee Aiava at the 2025 Australian Open—not only for her compelling performances but also for her standout tennis fashion choices. The Australian player has captivated fans by reviving iconic tennis dresses from the past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and admiration among sports glamour enthusiasts.
Destanee Aiava has been wearing a different iconic dress from the 2010s this week in Melbourne.
Her choice for today’s match: A classic Caroline Wozniacki Adidas look pic.twitter.com/HUqoukweXF
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) January 13, 2025
In the qualifying rounds, Aiava paid homage to the style of tennis legends Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova by sporting some of their most memorable outfits. In her first-round main draw match, Aiava took to the court in an Adidas color-block dress famously worn by Caroline Wozniacki at the 2013 US Open—a Stella McCartney creation that perfectly encapsulated the chic and innovative designs of 2010s tennis fashion.
Aiava’s choice has reignited appreciation for what is now recognized as a golden era of tennis style. While the designs of the 2010s may have been taken for granted at the time, her revival of these iconic looks highlights their timeless appeal and introduces their elegance to a new generation of fans.
In addition to her fashion statement, Aiava delivered a stunning on-court performance, defeating Belgium’s Greet Minnen in a marathon 5-7 7-5 7-6(5) battle. The match, lasting three hours, showcased Aiava’s resilience as she saved two match points at 4-5 in the final set before staging a remarkable comeback.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old, as it is her first Grand Slam main-draw win in six attempts. Previously, Aiava had entered Grand Slams as a wildcard but reached the main draw this time through qualifying—a testament to her recent surge in form.
The Adidas by Stella McCartney dress Aiava wore was a standout piece in Wozniacki’s 2013 wardrobe. Featuring three shades of blue, intricate color-blocking, and keyhole side openings, the dress was a masterpiece of both design and functionality. Its flounce hem, regular straps, and racerback added to its complexity, making it a fan favorite. Aiava’s choice to bring this dress back to life on the Melbourne courts was a nod to the timeless appeal of last decade’s tennis couture.
Aiava’s recent success extends beyond fashion and into her career trajectory. She is riding a nine-match winning streak, having capped off her 2024 season with a title at the Brisbane ITF W50 tournament. Her first-round victory in Melbourne solidifies her growing confidence, as she prepares to face American tenth seed Danielle Collins in the second round.
For Aiava, this breakthrough is about more than just wins—it’s also a practical step forward. “It means that I can bring someone to travel with this year, and I can afford to actually go to all the tournaments that I want to,” Aiava said. “It really helps. Financially, tennis is so expensive. I struggle traveling on my own. The fact that I get to bring my fiancé [ATP pro Corey Gaal] with me and hopefully one of my family members to the big ones, yeah, it makes a world of a difference.”
