Why tennis stars wear the best jewellery: You can match designer jewelery from Wimbledon Center Court at incredible prices on the High Street…

When Chris Evert’s gold and diamond bracelet came unclasped and flew across the court during a long rally at the 1978 US Open, the concept of the tennis bracelet was officially born.

And that confirmed something that most people had always suspected about tennis: it really is a sport that is above others in terms of clothing.

While footballers have their trendy haircuts and basketball players dominate sneaker trends, many of the most notable tennis stars, both male and female, express themselves through designer jewelry and watches.

And with Rolex sponsoring Wimbledon for more than four decades and Tiffany & Co the “Official Trophy Partner” of the US Open, it’s no surprise that some of that shine trickles down to the players.

But what might surprise those of us who scold us for wearing jewelry during physical education classes at school is that jewelry on the court is always in style. Here’s how today’s top players style their jewelry and how to get their look for less.

Glamorous gold and diamond hoops

British number one Katie Boulter has teamed up with British heritage jeweler Pragnell, appearing on court in yellow gold and diamond pieces including tennis bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Pragnell’s RockChic diamond hoops in 18k gold with princess-cut diamonds cost from £1,150 upwards (pragnell.co.uk). To lower the price, opt for smaller diamonds, with Mejuri’s delicate gold and pavé diamond hoops (£498, mejuri.com). Or Astrid & Miyu has crystals set in 18k gold-plated silver hoops (from £40, astridandmiyu.com).

Dazzle with a diamond cross pendant

After a series of injuries, Emma Raducanu is back and playing today, the opening day of Wimbledon. Although she has been keeping a low profile lately, her endorsements with Dior and Tiffany & Co have kept her looking fabulous.

One item she has worn repeatedly since winning the US Open in 2021, aged 18, is her Tiffany cross necklace, made with 11 brilliant-cut diamonds and believed to be worth £9,875. Tiffany has a platinum and diamond cross for £3,825 (tiffany.co.uk).

Luckily, it’s a classic design that you can copy in less exalted materials. Try After Diamonds for a stunning lab-grown diamond cross in 9ct white gold, half price at £660 (afterdiamonds.co.uk).

Or Nina B has a silver and cubic zirconia cross for £45 (nina-b.co.uk).

Take note of the clip chain

Recently dumped from the Eastbourne International by Emma Raducanu, American star Jessica Pegula occupies a prominent place in the tennis (and style) rankings.

She has a partnership with laid-back, luxury California brand Gorjana, and wears their signature 14-carat paperclip chain, the Parker ($995 (£750), gorjana.com).

Try British brand Otiumberg’s version for £190 (otiumberg.com), or D.Louise makes a gold-plated chain for £55 (dlouise.co.uk).

Go crazy with a big cat collar

Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka’s Panthère de Cartier necklace appears regularly on the court. The former world number one, born in the Year of the Tiger, also has a tiger tattoo.

The Panthere is available from Cartier at various price points, including a version in gold, diamonds and tsavorite garnet (£10,500, selfridges.com).

Or try Butler & Wilson’s crystal pendant (£48, butlerandwilson.co.uk) or Little Moose’s laser-cut acrylic leopard (£34.95, littlemoose.co.uk).

Cool off with freshwater pearls

World number two Coco Gauff has always dazzled with her tennis, but the fashion world took note when the American player wore a Vivienne Westwood Orb necklace (£155, viviennewestwood.com) during the Australian Open. (Swarovski pearls are a surprisingly practical option if metal doesn’t feel comfortable against sweaty skin.)

For an affordable alternative, try PRYA’s Icy Initial pearl necklace (£30, prya.co.uk), or Kiri & Belle’s natural freshwater pearls (£85, kiriandbelle.com).