The Met Gala, held each year in New York City, marks the opening of the Costume Institute’s annual fashion exhibition and stands as one of the most closely watched red carpet events in the world. While the evening is rooted in high fashion, it has increasingly become a cultural crossroads, regularly featuring athletes whose influence extends far beyond their respective sports.
Tennis players, in particular, have carved out a consistent presence at the event, often attending during pivotal moments in their careers or through collaborations with leading luxury brands. Their appearances reflect the sport’s growing intersection with global fashion and celebrity culture. Here’s a look at six tennis stars who have made notable appearances at the Met Gala over the years.
6- Emma Raducanu (2021)
Emma Raducanu made a headline-grabbing debut at the Met Gala in September 2021, arriving just days after her historic triumph at the US Open. At only 18, she had become the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam singles title, instantly elevating her to global stardom.
Attending the exhibition themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Raducanu embraced a sleek, modern aesthetic in a monochrome Chanel ensemble designed by Virginie Viard. The look featured a cropped top paired with a midi-length skirt and a pearl-embellished belt, finished with pointed patent boots.
5- Matteo Berrettini (2023)
Matteo Berrettini made his return to the Met Gala in 2023, attending the edition themed “Karl Lagerfeld: Line of Beauty.” It marked his second appearance at the prestigious event, following his debut in 2021.
For the occasion, Berrettini opted for a sleek, all-black tuxedo by Boss, a refined choice that aligned with the evening’s tribute to legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld. He attended while recovering from an oblique injury, and his presence stood out as only a handful of active tennis players were able to make the trip, given the overlap with the demanding European clay-court season.
4- Venus Williams (2008)
Venus Williams made her debut at the Met Gala in 2008, marking the beginning of her presence on one of fashion’s biggest stages. For the occasion, she wore an elegant bronze gown by Carolina Herrera and attended alongside André Leon Talley, the former Vogue editor-at-large.
Her appearance came four years after Serena Williams first attended the event, helping establish the Williams sisters as recurring and influential figures on the Met Gala red carpet, where sport and high fashion continue to intersect.
3- Maria Sharapova (2024)
Maria Sharapova returned to the Met Gala in 2024, stepping onto the red carpet in a striking design by Prabal Gurung. The look drew inspiration from “the brightness and softness of flowers blooming and bringing new life,” offering a vibrant departure from her usual aesthetic.
“I usually prefer neutral tones in my everyday life, so it’s nice to explore different colors and wear something unusual and things that you don’t expect from yourself,” Sharapova told Town & Country magazine.
2- Roger Federer (2023)
Roger Federer took on a prominent role at the Met Gala in 2023, serving as a co-chair for the evening. He arrived in a classic black tuxedo by Dior, paired with a bow tie and dark sunglasses, striking a refined yet contemporary look.
He was joined by his wife, Mirka Federer, who wore a feathered gown accented with a bow detail, an homage to the signature design language of Karl Lagerfeld.
1- Serena Williams (2004)
Serena Williams made her Met Gala debut in 2004, attending the edition themed “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century.” For her first appearance, she wore a purple column gown accented with a waistband sash and completed the look with a gold purse.
The outing marked the start of a long-standing relationship with the event. Williams would go on to become a regular presence on the Met Gala red carpet in the years that followed, culminating in her role as a co-chair in 2019, further cementing her status as a leading figure at the intersection of sport and fashion.
