Bold Style

The U.S. Open Has Become the New ‘Tunnel Look’ Runway — Here’s How to Watch This Unprecedented Fashion Moment

Venus Williams' 2023 U.S. Open debut was fashionable and spurred many questions about the future of style in sports. Catch the stylish moments unfold as the matches continue

By Kyle Lamar Rice

Kyle Lamar Rice

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September 2, 2023

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Venus Williams photographed before her first match at the US Open

Venus Williams photographed before her first match at the US Open, Aug. 29th, 2023. JONES WORKS

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Athletes are no longer just centered around their sport. Like all things, they have become a business that profits from viewers watching their performance on the court as well as their visual appeal off it. The term “tunnel look” has become synonymous with the NBA as players like Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Jordan Clarkson don coveted fashion pieces headed to and from games. 

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But tunnel looks are slowly spreading outside the male-dominated forum, as Olympic gold medalist Venus Williams proved earlier this week. As she arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium for her 2023 U.S. Open match, it wasn’t only because she’s one of America’s most celebrated athletes. No, it was her look.

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Dressed head to toe in some of fashion’s buzziest labels, Williams became much larger than the tournament ahead. A Willy Chavarria blazer, Prada heels and shades, and Alaïa skirt were the highlight of discussion, Williams touting on Instagram prior to her match, “My passions collide, tennis + fashion.” Up to this point, high-end tunnel looks have been closely observed on male figures in the NBA. But Williams’ viral arrival could mark a shift for female athletes as they prep for their game-day matches.

Williams also isn’t alone. When the U.S. women’s national soccer team headed to the field earlier this summer, they did so in tailored Martine Rose x Nike suits, shield sunglasses, and Shox sneakers. It was another viral moment that pushed female athletes to the forefront of a global conversation around game day attire. “I wanted something that felt directional,” Rose told ELLE. “I wanted it to have a sleekness, a realness…less of a directional fashion suit, and just a great tailored suit.”

It’s apparent sports have become more intrinsically tied to fashion, though perhaps it’s still unclear if Williams’ bold choice for unapologetic style will influence the year’s final Grand Slam as the season continues. She’s invigorated a spirit for tennis’ tie to the fashion industry, and like many others, we’ll continue to watch the U.S. Open to monitor the looks and encourage you to do the same.

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