Tennis People Have the Best Style (And I Have Proof)

"Are you guys tennis players?" I said to a group of guys standing awkwardly by the DJ booth. "No — do we look like it?" Not really, but you do look familiar, I replied. Turns out they were Netflix dating show contestants and definitely outliers in a room full of tall, toned tennis players. Nevertheless, everyone was dressed in beach cocktail chic, and I have to say,  tennis people have the best style! It was giving cool girl chic meets JFK Jr. swag. 

Hosted at the newly reopened Shelborne by Proper on South Beach, WME's Tennis division and Lalo Tequila kicked off the week with two of the WTA's finest: Amanda Anisimova (currently ranked #6) and Zizou Berg (currently ranked #39). The crowd was so fit there wasn't a vape or cigarette in sight, which says a lot for a Miami South Beach party. The right people were in the room. Everyone was glistening, lean, and radiating from the inside out. I honestly can't remember the last time I've been to a party where people knew the difference between hard, clay and grass courts. Another group I guys that shall remain nameless school me on the appropriate grip to slice a ball on grass court, using one of the vintage Wilson rackets that decorated the room. After they left our sight, I remembered just where I knew him from. 

Meanwhile, I'm forever smitten by the guy who invited by one of my tennis friends. We have a group chat where we randomly post times and courts to hit at throughout the week — and this time, the chat had the move. Someone dropped the invite, no one hesitated, and suddenly we were sipping Lalo spicy margaritas on the Shelborne terrace. That's the thing about the tennis world... it's this quietly connected community where a casual hitting session can turn into courtside access, and a group chat can land you at the party of the week.

 I wrote about my first Miami Open tennis experience at the 72Club

If Miami Open week taught me anything, it's that tennis culture off the court is just as alluring as what happens on it. The people, the energy, the style, it's giving cool crowd athleticism meets South Beach ease. And honestly? I'm already looking forward to next year!