:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/042524-zendaya-tenniscore-lead-6e11173593d54510a1fc2c875346ce96.jpg)
Zendaya is the queen of style. Whether it’s one Mugler robot suit promote Sand Dunes: Part 2 or a red and blue dress to channel her inner Spider-Man, the actress knows that when it comes to red carpet glamour, it’s best to get back in her characters’ skin.
That’s exactly the type of outfit presentation the world has seen from Zendaya over the past few weeks on her press tour. challenger, exciting (and perhaps upcoming) blockbuster in which she plays a top tennis player turned coach. With the help of longtime stylist Law Roach, Zendaya hits dates, photo shoots, and even tennis tournaments—like the Monte-Carlo Masters and the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells—in style puts the concept of tenniscore first.
So far, she’s delivered one ace after another (think: a custom white Loewe shoe studded with tennis balls; a archive dress by Carolina Herrera imitates the 1998 photo of Venus and Serena Williams; and a cream sweater and skirt set by Brunello Cucinelli.)
And the runway provided ample inspiration for the duo. Check out Lacoste’s fall 2024 collection, which includes pleated mini dresses worn over pants and court-ready polo shirts; or Miu Miu’s spring 2024 line, which highlights cropped polo shirts designed for use on the field.
Then there are countless tennis fashion collaborations taking place between players and brands, from world No. 2 Jannik Sinner’s Gucci partnership and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz’s Louis Vuitton campaign to to US Open champion Coco Gauff’s New Balance outfit. Not to mention, the Williams sisters, who brought trends like denim, lingerie and corsets to tennis; Maria Sharapova, whose Nike tuxedo is one of the sport’s most iconic outfits; and Chris Evert, whose ultra-feminine bow and lace outfits earned her a place in tennis fashion history.
As the press conference comes to a close, here are the 10 best outfits Zendaya wore to promote Challenger in style.
Tennis ball shoes
Getty Images/Massimo Insabato
Photos of Zendaya wearing these custom Loewe tennis shoes have spread like wildfire online. And that’s because the look, beyond a shimmering silver tennis dress, is both unique and confusing. “How? How?” one might ask. It turns out Loewe, whose current creative director Jonathan Anderson is designing the costumes for the film, is famous for remaking high heels in surreal proportions with elements like Soap, nail polish and eggs So tennis balls on high heels are just another day at the office for both Loewe and Zendaya.
Neon green dress
Getty Images/Eric Charbonneau
Sure, Zendaya’s athletic side shines throughout this press conference, but few movie stars can shine as effortlessly as the Emmy winner. Give Challenger debuting in Los Angeles, the actress stepped into a custom neon green two-piece by Celia Kritharioti with a dramatic plunging neckline that resembled a tennis ball. Furthermore, the dress actually draped a felt ball over her belly, giving the dress an athletic spin.
Tennis club appearance
Getty Images/Valery Hache
When you go watch the Monte-Carlo Masters tournament, riches will flow from the stands. So it was no surprise when Zendaya invited Brunello Cucinelli to pose for photos at the annual tournament. The actress chose a plain cream sweater with a matching maxi skirt that featured an asymmetrical slit for a tennis club vibe.
Preppy dress
Getty Images/Mike Marsland
There was a time when Grand Slam champion Chris Evert served at major tournaments with a bow in his hair. So when Zendaya wore a white Thom Browne halter dress and matching maxi bow Challenger Premiering in the UK, it was like going back to the 1980s. The tennis reference wasn’t subtle anyway: the designer dress had a tennis racket printed all over, as well as the neckline. polo shirts and sports mesh fabrics. Without the pumps, the gown is definitely ready for court.
Checkered dress
Getty Images/Stephane Cardinale
By now, the world knows that Zendaya can pull off hosting outfits like no other. And Challenger The press tour is no exception. During a photo shoot in Paris, the actress and Roach brought back a 2013 Louis Vuitton mini jacket dress with a green and white checkered pattern that was again reminiscent of a tennis ball. To top it off, a white bow headband gave the otherwise fashionable look a classic, feminine touch.
White tennis set
Getty Images/Jean Catuffe
Roach and Zendaya often give nods to their history. The outfit Zendaya wore during her match at the Monte-Carlo Masters looked simple but had many layers. It refers to the white tennis outfit used by Althea Gibson, the first black Grand Slam tennis champion in history. To recreate the look, Roach pressed on ABOVEThe Roger Federer-backed brand is making big waves in the world of sneakers.
Red carpet service
Getty Images/James Gourley
Zendaya opened the press conference at the film’s Australian premiere Challenger with a serve…literally. The actress wore a green Loewe dress that featured the silhouette of a tennis player serving, making the dress look like an actual tennis court. Talking about meta. However, there is nothing “average” about it. Roach styled the dress with matching navy heels and drop earrings for a sporty glam look.
Robe with belt
Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
Not all tennis needs to be taken literally, and this Louis Vuitton dress proves it. Sure, the thick diagonal belt would add a casual touch to the elegant dress, but it’s easy to picture this on a real-life tennis player attending the Laureus World Sports Awards . While Zendaya Challenger Forced to give up her tennis career, the actress apparently imagined her championship lifestyle—complete with diamond necklace—well into her teens.
Dress
Background grid
Few inner clothes Challenger press tour was as authentic as this Tory Burch dress, which Zendaya and Roach styled with white heels. Pulled from the brand’s athleisure line, which includes racerback tank tops, tennis skirts and V-neck sweaters, this is the ideal outfit to channel Zendaya’s inner tennis champion.
Sports jumpsuit
Gotham/Getty Images
Zendaya completed her tennis player look for work with an On jumpsuit and sneakers in New York City. This outfit uses the polo neckline commonly seen in tennis dresses, giving it a more seductive touch with a deep V-neckline. Add to that the side slits and matching white sneakers solidifying Zendaya’s signature street style.
Challenger currently in theaters.
