Why tennis stars sport the best bling: You can match Wimbledon’s centre court designer jewellery at ace High Street prices…

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

And that confirmed something most people had always suspected about tennis: it really is a sartorial cut above other sports.

While footballers have their on-trend haircuts and basketball players dominated the trainer trends, many of the most notable tennis stars — both male and female — express themselves through designer jewellery and watches. 

And with Rolex sponsoring Wimbledon for more than four decades and Tiffany & Co ‘the official Trophy partner’ to the U.S. Open, it’s no wonder some of that bling filters through to the players.

But what might be surprising to those of us scolded for wearing jewellery during school PE lessons is that on-court jewellery is always on trend. Here’s how today’s leading women players style their jewels — and how to get their look for less.

Glamorous gold and diamond hoops

Pave diamond hoops, £498, mejuri.com

British No 1 Katie Boulter has teamed up with British heritage jeweller Pragnell, appearing on court in yellow gold and diamond pieces, including tennis bracelets, necklaces and hoop earrings.

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

Dazzle with a diamond cross pendant

Emma Raducanu (pictured) is often seen playing with her Tiffany cross necklace, made with 11 brilliant-cut diamonds and believed to be worth £9,875

L-R: Zirconia cross pendant, £45, nina-b.co.uk; Lab diamond cross, £660, afterdiamonds.co.uk

After a series of injuries, Emma Raducanu is back and playing today, the opening day of Wimbledon. Even though she’s kept a low profile of late, her sponsorships with Dior and Tiffany & Co have kept her looking fabulous.

One item she’s worn repeatedly since winning the U.S. 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 cross with lab-grown diamonds in 9ct white gold, half-price at £660 (afterdia monds.co.uk).

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

Take note of the paperclip chain

Paperclip necklace, £55,dlouise.co.uk

Gold vermeil necklace, £190, otiumberg.com

Recently sent out of the Eastbourne International by Emma Raducanu, American star Jessica Pegula is high in the tennis rankings — and the style ones, too.

She has a partnership with laidback-luxe Californian brand Gorjana, wearing its distinctive 14ct paperclip chain, the Parker ($995 (£750), gorjana.com).

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

Go wild with a big cat necklace

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (pictured) is often seen on court with her Cartier Panthère necklace

L-R: Leopard branch necklace, £34.95, littlemoose.co.uk; Crystal leopard, £48, butlerandwilson.com

The Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka’s Cartier Panthère necklace makes regular appearances on court. Born in the Year of the Tiger, the former world No 1 also has a tiger tattoo.

The Panthere is available from Cartier at various pricepoints, including a gold, diamond and tsavorite garnet version (£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 down with freshwater pearls

The fashion world took note when world No 2 Coco Gauff (pictured) wore a Vivienne Westwood Orb necklace during the Australian Open

Mini bas relief choker, £155, vivenne westwood.com

World No 2 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 make a surprisingly practical choice if you find metal uncomfortable on sweating skin.)

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