The most stylish tennis stars through the ages

Tennis is one of the most sophisticated sports there is. No foul mouths, no smashing people to the ground. It’s a beautiful, skilful game that requires elegance in all forms, from the way it’s played to the clothes worn on the court.

René Lacoste

One of the ‘Four Musketeers’ who dominated French tennis in the 1920’s and ‘30s, René Lacoste earned the nickname ‘The Crocodile’ of his unyielding playing style. He earned no fewer than 7 Grand Slam titles in his time, developing a highly methodical approach that earned him a second nickname: ‘The Tennis Machine’. When he went on to found his eponymous brand in 1933, Lacoste took his spirit animal as the logo – one that is recognised the world over today. Playing at a time prior to the adoption of shorts, Lacoste was most at home in his wide-legged tennis trousers, peaked cap and a v-necked jumper.

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Image: Getty

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