New Delhi: They say imitation is the best form of flattery and Destanee Aiava has endorsed it by wearing replica outfits of former Grand Slam champions to qualify for the main round of the Australian Open.
The Melbourne-born won three qualifying matches to enter the main round of the singles competition. In two of those games Aiava wore replicas of outfits worn by Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic that she bought online.
On Thursday, the 24-year-old sported the pink Adidas dress Ivanovic wore at the 2010 US Open, winning 6-1 2-6 6-4 over 23rd seed Eva Lys. The win meant she qualified for the main draw at her home Grand Slam for the first time since 2021.
In one of her earlier qualifying matches, Aiava had put on a light pink Nike dress similar to what Sharapova wore at the 2012 US Open.
Asked if her intention is to convert the Melbourne Park into a ‘fashion runaway’, the world number 195 said, as quoted by the BBC: “I just loved what they wore. I think some of the stuff that is being designed is quite ugly.
“I just like to wear what I think looks good. I don’t like wearing the same thing as everyone else.”
Aiava will be up against Belgium’s Greet Minnen in her opening round game and revealed she already has plans of what to wear for the match.
“I found one on Facebook yesterday before my match. I might go pick that up. It’s only $35, which is a steal,” she said.
Keen on fashion designing
Aiava said she has plans to obtain a degree in fashion design and wishes to get a sponsorship deal with an apparel brand. But is making the most of not having any contract by wearing what she wants.
“I am hoping to get a sponsor. I’ll probably have to put up with wearing the same thing as other people. But, for now I’m loving picking whatever I want to wear and buying whatever I want,” she said.
“I didn’t really think it would make any impact at all, me wearing the dresses. But I’m glad I did. Yeah, it’s been fun bringing them back.
“I think even if you lose, it’s still kind of a fashion runway when you’re on the court.”
Destanee Aiava wore replicas of outfits worn by Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic in her Australian Open qualifying matches Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
