The Australian Open has always drawn crowds. This year, it has drawn record ones. More than 100,000 spectators streamed through Melbourne Park on opening day of the 2026 tournament, with attendance continuing to climb as the first week unfolds.
Queues snake through the precinct, the atmosphere is unmistakably electric, and the city once again finds itself orbiting the season’s first Grand Slam.
But as ever, the action extends well beyond the baseline. Few sporting events occupy fashion’s imagination quite like tennis, a game whose visual language has long evolved alongside style.
From Chris Evert’s diamond bracelet in the 1980s to Lea Pericoli’s white ruffled mini dress by Teddy Tinling in 1965, and Anna Kournikova’s era-defining adidas looks in the noughties, the sport has consistently reflected its cultural moment, blending athletic performance with aesthetic expression.
That relationship is now firmly embedded in spectator culture. In December, Ralph Lauren unveiled its official Australian Open 2026 Capsule Collection, marking the brand’s sixth consecutive year as Official Outfitter. Designed to operate as both memorabilia and wardrobe cue, the collection reinforces what the tournament has increasingly made clear: courtside dressing is not peripheral to the experience, but integral to it.
That conversation now plays out most vividly in the stands. The Australian Open has evolved into a cornerstone of Melbourne’s summer social calendar, where getting dressed for the day’s matches has become inseparable from attending them. This season’s courtside aesthetic signals a shift away from literal tenniscore toward something looser, more intuitive and distinctly lived-in.
Among the celebrity attendees, model Caroline Daur opened proceedings in a breezy linen pinstripe set, joined throughout the week by tennis WAGs Paige Lorenze and Morgan Riddle, who continue to define modern courtside chic. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka redefined the pre-match walkout, stepping into Rod Laver Arena cloaked in a dramatic veil that married fashion and theatrical flair.
Across the grounds, denim has emerged as the unofficial hero, offset by crisp whites, fluid tailoring and flashes of court blue. Accessories skew practical yet expressive, with slouchy leather shoulder bags forming a kind of uniform among seasoned attendees.
Scroll on for our favourite street style moments spotted so far.
Megan Gale
Wearing Ralph Lauren
A tie as a belt? Inspired. Megan Gale’s Ralph Lauren look nails effortless courtside chic.
Annalise Dalins
At the Grey Goose Courtside Bar, Annalise Dalins, partner of Josh Daicos, channelled laidback chic in pinstriped navy shorts and a blue plaid shirt.
Naomi Osaka
Wearing Nike & Robert Wun
Naomi Osaka made a grand entrance at the 2026 Australian Open before striking a single ball. Walking into Rod Laver Arena beneath a white umbrella, the four-time Grand Slam champion wore a dramatic veil, wide-brim hat and frilled blue-and-white Nike ensemble that instantly electrified the crowd.
Commentators likened the moment to pure theatre, praising Osaka for blending sport and style.
Paige Lorenze
Wearing Ralph Lauren, Denim By Orlee, Déhanche & Love Isabelle Jewellery
Paige’s look pairs a vintage-style Polo Sport Ralph Lauren tee with high-waisted raw-hem denim cut-offs. The court-blue colour brings a classic sportswear feel, finished with a chunky leather belt, oval sunglasses and gold hoop earrings.
Saskia Jenkins
Wearing Meshki
You can never go wrong with tennis whites at the AO. This linen set offers the perfect lesson in warm-weather tailoring.
Cat Spanti
Wearing St. Agni & Helsa Studio
After years of pared-back minimalism, lace has returned with renewed relevance. Whether worn with bohemian ease or styled with subtle sensuality, the fabric now lends itself to almost any occasion. Here, Cat Spanti leans into its softer side, pairing a relaxed lace blouse with a flowing St. Agni skirt. She completed the look with pared-back black accessories, including a sleek Verafied bag.
Nadia Bartel
Wearing Róhe, Henne, Alaïa & Saint Laurent
This monochrome look from Henne founder Nadia Bartel channels subtle Sharon Tate energy in the best possible way. In a video shared to Instagram, Bartel breaks down the outfit, revealing she opted for a lower heel in her Saint Laurent pointed pumps — a practical choice suited to a long day courtside.
Bernad Ngendakumana
Wearing Ralph Lauren
Bernad Ngendakumana makes a case for considered nonchalance in a cream cable-knit polo and pleated trousers. A silk neck scarf lends insouciance, offset by a woven belt, cap and sunglasses for textural depth.
Holly Young
Wearing Juliana Lilly Studios
Our favourite Big Brother alum, Holly Young, looked effortlessly chic in a relaxed co-ord from Sydney-based label Juliana Lilly Studios. The beige tweed set was styled with neutral accessories and a matching bra.
Morgan Riddle
Wearing Beginning Boutique
Morgan’s soft blue off-the-shoulder top with flared sleeves is paired with a matching high-waisted maxi skirt, creating an effortless spectator look.
Mia Savio
Wearing Henne
Mia Savio, fiancée of tennis star Matteo Arnaldi, is well versed in courtside style, owning her own tennis activewear brand, OIVAS.
Pictured alongside a friend in the same Henne design, the coordinating dresses strike a balance between comfort and considered chic.
Caroline Daur
Wearing Zimmermann
Tailoring takes centre court in this sun-bleached pinstripe Zimmermann set. A fitted waistcoat and pointed pumps bring structure, while fluid trousers soften the silhouette.
Caroline was spotted in the chic look at the Australian Open amid reports of a budding romance with tennis star Alexander Zverev.
Toby Wright & Paris Wycherley
Paris wears The Frankie Shop
Naked dressing isn’t going anywhere in 2026. Stylist Paris Wycherley affirmed the trend in a floaty sheer silk maxi at the Grey Goose Courtside Bar.
