Ball kid uniforms become fashion staples as tennis popularity grows

“A good ball kid is as invisible as possible,” goes the unwritten rule of the court, yet at elite tennis tournaments, their uniforms have become unexpected fashion staples. While Grand Slam champions battle under a strict tradition of white dress codes and players debut custom kits on tour, the teenagers tending to the courts wear navy and white outfits designed by Ralph Lauren.

The Tradition of the Courtside Uniform

Tennis outfits on the professional circuit frequently spark intense public debate. At the French Open, colorful athletic kits draw sharp critiques from fans and analysts alike, while bespoke dresses worn by players like Naomi Osaka prompt comparisons to high-fashion events like the Met Gala. Yet away from the spotlight of the players, the tournament’s ball kids wear an understated, standardized kit: striped polo shirts, shorts or skorts, white sneakers, and matching caps or sweatbands. This distinct look has remained virtually unchanged since 2006, governed by practical demands. These teenagers, aged 13 to 18, spend hours on the court supplying players with fresh balls, chilled towels, and protective shade during changeovers.

Global Tennis Growth Drives Demand for Apparel

The widespread popularity of tennis apparel coincides with a massive global boom in the sport. The International Tennis Federation reported that worldwide participation grew from 84.4 million players in 2019 to nearly 106 million by 2024. In Germany, the national tennis federation added 26,000 new members between 2024 and 2025, maintaining its position with 1.5 million total members. As lifestyle collections and “tenniscore” trends dominate retail, the official uniforms worn by ball kids have evolved from practical sideline gear into coveted items.

The Rigorous Selection Process

Earning a spot on the court requires months of preparation. In Wimbledon alone, approximately 1,600 teenagers from local schools applied for selection, with fewer than one in six earning a place in the official team. Alejandra, a tournament ball girl, told the BBC that selectors evaluate candidates on physical fitness, an understanding of tennis rules tested through specific modules, and the critical mechanical skill of rolling balls efficiently. Once selected, the recruits undergo months of training directed by Sarah Goldson. Unlike the prominent celebrities and players seated in the Royal Box—such as Nicole Kidman, Anna Wintour, and Sienna Miller—the ball kids remain a constant, unified presence across the grounds.

Twenty Years of Court Sponsorship

Ralph Lauren has outfitted the ball personnel, chair umpires, and line judges at three of the four Grand Slam tournaments for two decades. David Lauren, chief innovation officer and son of the company’s founder, noted that tournament officials once wore their own clothes or basic green shirts during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, officials like chair umpires Eva Asderaki-Moore and Mohamed Lahyani wear tailored blazers, striped shirts, and chinos that reflect traditional American East Coast style. The company serves as the official outfitter for Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, while Lacoste manages the French Open and Boss takes over upcoming Australian fixtures.