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Jessica Pegula Shares Her Fashion Ritual for Feeling Confident on Court

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Jessica Pegula, one of the leading names in women's tennis, has revealed a surprising fashion ritual that she says helps her feel like herself while competing on court.

Although the report offers limited detail on the exact nature of the ritual, Pegula emphasised that fashion plays a genuine role in her mental preparation before and during matches. Her comments add to a growing conversation among elite athletes about the psychological link between clothing and performance.

The revelation coincides with wider coverage of how tennis fashion is being reshaped by influences from classic menswear. Notably, Calvin Klein's 1976-77 collections have been cited as a source of inspiration for contemporary on-court and off-court tennis style, reflecting a renewed interest in retro tailoring within modern sportswear design.

This shift illustrates a broader trend in which traditionally masculine, tailored aesthetics are being adapted for both men's and women's tennis wardrobes. Designers appear to be drawing on decades-old references to create looks that merge functionality with a more refined, fashion-forward sensibility.

Industry observers note that tennis has increasingly become a space where sport and style intersect, with players' outfits often generating as much attention as their performances. This growing overlap between athletic wear and high fashion has turned tennis courts into informal runways, especially during major tournaments.

Pegula's remarks underscore a wider cultural pattern: many top athletes now view personal style as an extension of their competitive identity, using specific clothing choices or routines to build confidence under pressure.

As menswear-inspired aesthetics continue to filter into tennis fashion, Pegula's comments serve as a reminder that, for many players, looking and feeling like themselves on court can be just as important as technical preparation.

Vocabulary7 words

tennis
a sport played with rackets, hitting a ball over a net
ritual
an action repeated regularly in a set way
performance
how well someone does in a competition
menswear
clothing traditionally designed for men
collections
sets of clothing designs released by a fashion brand
inspiration
something that gives someone new creative ideas
identity
the qualities that make someone who they are

Quiz

1. What is the main subject of the article?
2. According to the article, what historical fashion element has influenced modern tennis style?
3. True or false: The article suggests that tennis fashion and mainstream style are becoming more separate from each other.

Discussion questions

  1. Do you think what athletes wear can affect how well they perform? Why or why not?
  2. How do you feel when you wear an outfit you really like? Does it change your confidence?
  3. Why do you think classic or retro fashion styles often return in modern design?
  4. Should sports uniforms focus more on performance, style, or a balance of both? Explain your view.

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