We all know tennis is having a moment this year. From the hype around the movie Challengers to the summer of the sport — from Wimbledon to the Summer Olympics to the US Open — tennis is also becoming synonymous with bringing your fashion A-game, with the court as the place to see and be seen in your best tenniscore attire.
We caught up with former NCAA national tennis champion and girlfriend of pro-tennis player Frances Tiafoe, Ayan Broomfield, to discuss her top looks from this year’s US Open, as well as her current endeavors. From attending the Hermès Men’s Spring/Summer 2025 Show to working with brands like Hermès, Burberry, Brunello Cucinelli, and Zimmermann, Broomfield’s reputation in the fashion world is continuing to grow alongside her career and philanthropic pursuits — and she isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Ayan Broomfield’s 2024 US Open Fashion Diary
“At this year’s U.S. Open, I wanted to go for a little bit more and really showcase my personality. I like to take somewhat simple pieces and add my own flare to make them unique, using accessories, texture, prints, and even color.”
Look 1: Belted Beauty
“I have been obsessed with belts recently. I feel like belts are extremely over-rated as they can change the entire vibe of an outfit. This Undone Corset from Dehanche was absolutely stunning and I was super excited to be able to wear it to the US Open. The half-corset half-belt gave me the perfect silhouette on top of the Lunch at Lou Lou dress.”
Look 2: Head Scarf Stylings
“This was my favorite look of the entire tournament. Growing up, head scarves were always used as protection for our hair — especially silk scarves! One of my favorite things to do with my mom was to go to the beauty stores and pick out new head scarves because they always had such fun and colorful prints. As I became older I realized that these headscarves that were used for hair protection could also be used as a fashion piece. I played around with them, tying them into Bandeau tops or even using them as belts. I recently saw a photo of Rihanna wearing it as a hat accessory and absolutely fell in love with the look. I decided to go with it and re-create it with my own styling. Being in New York it was only fitting to pair it with a New York Rangers hat!”
Look 3: A Look with Legacy
“This look was extremely special to me. Arthur Ashe is the first African-American man to win a grand slam. He paved the way for black tennis players and continues to be the main source of many players’ inspiration to pick up a racket. Given that the match was played in a stadium commemorating his legacy, I wanted to honor him by wearing a T-shirt with Arthur Ashe on it. I paired it with a Helmut Lang denim two-piece and thought the look not only came together but had a very powerful message.”
Look 4: Risky Business
“Funny enough, this look was inspired by my boyfriend. The night before his match he said to me, ‘Tomorrow, I’m standing on business.’ I’m not quite sure why that stuck with me but as soon as I woke up, I immediately had a vision. I wanted to style a play on a business suit. I wanted the button-up, I wanted the tie, and I wanted the blazer. It all came together wonderfully, and learning how to tie a tie was a cherry on top.”
Look 5: Model Behavior
“This outfit was inspired by Jasmine Tookes. Jasmine is one of my fashion idols. I love the way she takes simple pieces and makes them look so elegant and timeless.”
Look 6: Pushing Boundaries
“This outfit makes me smile. Lacoste has been one of the original tennis brands and has such a unique style. Recently, I feel that they have been pushing the boundaries more with design, silhouettes, and color. This windbreaker dress was so fun and unique. It definitely encompassed the energy and vibrance of the sport of tennis.”
Balancing Career and Philanthropy
But it’s not just her fashion sense that’s turning heads. Broomfield is also a dedicated philanthropist, using her platform to give back to the community. She recently launched the Ayan Broomfield Foundation, which aims to provide tennis athleticwear and equipment to underprivileged youth. Broomfield, who is known for her powerful presence on the court and her stylish appearance off it, believes that her role as a prominent figure in both tennis and fashion can inspire and empower young women, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
“Representation is the most powerful form of inspiration for me,” Broomfield tells GRAZIA USA. “I grew up idolizing women that came from humble beginnings and made the absolute most of their situations. I am fully aware of the role that I am in and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.”
Balancing her demanding career as a professional athlete, her philanthropic endeavors, and her growing social media presence is no easy feat, but Broomfield has found a way to make it work. “The key for me is definitely prioritizing the most important things over the less important,” she explains. “And where possible, I also try to combine tasks to create more efficiencies in my schedule. I also have a great support team that is always willing to assist me — and this definitely goes a long way.”
One of Broomfield’s most recent accomplishments was her appearance in the Netflix documentary series Break Point, which followed her and Tiafoe as they navigated the pressures of professional tennis. Broomfield found the experience both challenging and rewarding. “The most challenging was knowing that your raw emotions were being exposed to the general public,” she admits. “The show was not scripted and what people saw was actual reality.” However, she also found it rewarding to be able to share her story with the world and give the world greater exposure to tennis.
The Future of Fashion
Broomfield is also passionate about the intersection of fashion and philanthropy. She believes that brands can play a significant role in social responsibility by partnering with charities and supporting causes that are important to them. “My mission statement is to provide those that are in need with athletic wear and/or equipment to help them enrich their lives through the power of sport,” she tells us. “I pride myself in working with brands that are also committed to strengthening the communities where we live through collaborative initiatives.”
Looking ahead, the 27-year-old is excited to see the future of the fashion industry evolve. She is particularly interested in sustainability and diversity, and she hopes to see more brands incorporating these values into their designs. “What I’m looking forward to seeing are ideas geared toward sustainability,” she shares. “For example, I’ve read that an increasing number of fashion designers are trying to be more environmentally friendly by using products like natural dyes in their designs.”
As Ayan Broomfield continues to make waves in both the tennis and fashion worlds, it’s clear that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her dedication to her craft, her commitment to philanthropy, and her stylish sense of fashion make her a role model for young women everywhere — and we will be keeping tabs on her next moves!
