Marta Kostyuk's Wimbledon Dress: A Unique Blend of Tennis and Bridal Couture

When Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk stepped onto the Wimbledon courts this year, her performance wasn't the only thing that captivated the audience. Her striking tennis dress, which was inspired by her own wedding gown, became the talk of the tournament, showcasing a remarkable fusion of athletic and bridal fashion.

Elevating the Tennis Wardrobe with Couture Elegance

A Dress with a Backstory

Marta Kostyuk's Wimbledon dress was more than just a standard tennis ensemble; it was a reflection of her personal journey. The intricate design, featuring a plunging neckline, cut-out back panel, and delicate straps, was directly inspired by the floor-length gown she wore on her wedding day in Cyprus last November. This unique collaboration between Kostyuk and the sporting goods company Wilson, who tapped her as their first 360 Ambassador in 2022, resulted in a one-of-a-kind creation that blended her professional and personal lives.

Bringing the Wedding Dress to the Court

Kostyuk's decision to incorporate elements of her wedding dress into her Wimbledon attire was a deliberate one. "When we started to plan the wedding, I was just sitting on the sofa with my team and we came up with this idea and thought, 'Why not? It would be something really cool,'" she explained. The final result was a highly technical mini dress that retained the essence of her bridal gown, complete with a sheer silk organza removable overlay adorned with cascading hand-appliquéd flowers.

Adapting the Design for the Court

To ensure the dress was suitable for the rigors of professional tennis, the team at Wilson made a few key adjustments. The floor-length gown was shortened to a mini length, and the floral embellishments were removed. The button detailing, however, remained, allowing Kostyuk to remove the overlay after her walk-on, just as she had done with the original dress after her wedding ceremony. Additionally, the dress was outfitted with built-in ball shorts and a slightly higher neckline to meet the sport's requirements.

A Unique Retail Opportunity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Kostyuk's Wimbledon dress is that it is now available for purchase through Wilson's website. This decision, while initially a "weird feeling" for the Ukrainian pro, has ultimately become an "incredible feeling" as she recognizes the opportunity to share her unique design with tennis enthusiasts around the world.

A Lasting Legacy

Marta Kostyuk's Wimbledon dress has undoubtedly become a highlight of her career and life. As she reflects on the experience, she expresses a desire to preserve the dress in a frame, a testament to the special bond between her personal and professional lives. "It definitely will be one of the highlights of my life and my career. I mean, what else can you ask for?" she muses, underscoring the profound impact this unique creation has had on her journey as a professional tennis player.