The Tennis Bracelet: A History With a Twist
The tennis bracelet, now a staple of fine jewelry, owes its name to a dramatic moment on the court in 1987. During the US Open, Chris Evert lost her diamond line bracelet after a powerful swing, prompting officials to pause the match to search for it. The moment, broadcast live, permanently linked the sport to the design, as reported by both Essentially Sports and the South China Morning Post.
The style itself has deeper roots. According to the South China Morning Post, the bracelet originally known as a line or eternity bracelet traces back to the Victorian era, when major diamond deposits discovered in South Africa in the 1860s flooded the market, making matched diamond jewelry newly accessible. The 1920s brought advances in metalworking, establishing platinum as the material of choice for high-end jewelry. Its strength allowed designers to craft settings so fine that diamonds appeared to sit flush in an uninterrupted line—a clean silhouette that suited the art deco period's symmetry and proportion. Much like the eternity ring, the tennis bracelet carried romantic associations, symbolizing enduring love and becoming a favored gift for anniversaries and milestones.
Modern interpretations, the South China Morning Post notes, often feature colored gemstones, unconventional settings, and alternative metals like titanium, while maintaining the diamond line as a jewelry box staple.
Sabalenka's Dazzling Debut at the US Open
At this year's US Open, Aryna Sabalenka brought the tennis bracelet's energy back to the court. As reported by Essentially Sports, Sabalenka debuted in the mixed doubles event alongside Novak Djokovic, wearing striking and colorful diamond jewelry designed to complement her red and black Nike outfit.
The jewelry, created in collaboration with the brand Material Good—which has adorned her for all Grand Slams since last year's US Open—was designed with New York's cultural diversity in mind. Material Good's Head of Design, Atara Lev, explained the inspiration: "Lots of different people from lots of different places all over the world. The stones are reflective of that. It's multiple different shapes, multiple different colors, and they're sourced from all different locations in the world," she said in an interview with Town and Country Magazine, as quoted by Essentially Sports.
The suite, Sabalenka's boldest on-court jewelry yet, boasts 83.20 carats, with stones sourced from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Mozambique. According to the same source, the full collection includes many other pieces that may appear as the tournament progresses.
Mixed Reactions From Fans
Despite the intricate craftsmanship and cultural symbolism, fans were not universally impressed. Essentially Sports reports that a post on X asking people to rate Sabalenka's outfit and jewelry drew largely negative responses, with many questioning the practicality of such elaborate accessories on court.
One fan wrote, "Pretentious is good word. No need for that jewelry on a tennis court. O/10 on all counts," while another commented, "Such a low effort outfit, 0/10."
The tennis action itself was less favorable for Sabalenka and Djokovic: the pair faced a defeat against Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten with a score of 1-4, 4-2, 10-2, as noted by Essentially Sports. Sabalenka was expected to shift her focus to the main draws starting August 30.
The Broader Trend
The revival of the tennis bracelet extends beyond Sabalenka's bold choice. The South China Morning Post highlights a broader trend among celebrities, including Coco Gauff and Meghan Markle, who have embraced the style. While the article does not detail their specific appearances, it situates Sabalenka's on-court jewelry within a wider resurgence of the design, blending historical elegance with contemporary fashion statements.
As the US Open continues, the tennis bracelet—whether sparking controversy or admiration—remains a talking point, bridging the sport's storied past with its ever-evolving present.