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by Sana Bun

The Story Of the Fall: How Tennis Players Started Wearing Tennis Bracelets

2 Sept 2024

Photo: Jannis Lucas

The growing buzz around tennis is no surprise, and the further it goes, the more the game’s influence expands beyond the court. Movies, themed fashion collections, and the whole trend are just a few fragments of the puzzle. We have already covered the tennis core has comeback, and today are sharing another story related to this graceful sport and… diamonds.
So, what exactly is a tennis bracelet? Surprisingly, nothing extravagant, except for the luxurious materials it is made from. It is a flexible chain encrusted with sparkling gemstones — typically, diamonds. Besides that, the design is quite simple. What then makes it so special and what does it have to do with tennis? As always — a story.
The name “tennis bracelet” is believed to originate from an incident involving Chris Evert, the American former world number one tennis player, during a US Open match in 1978.
The story is that Evert’s lucky diamond bracelet fell off her wrist during the game which made the athlete stop the match. She refused to continue until her precious talisman was found. After that, the name “tennis bracelet” stuck, forever linking this sleek piece of jewelry to the sport.
Now, the tennis bracelet is celebrated for its versatility and ability to effortlessly complement diverse styles and outfits. Whether you are dressing up for a gala or adding a touch of sparkle to your everyday look, the tennis bracelet will work perfectly, and today you don’t even need to spend a fortune on it — thanks to the variety of designs and materials.
By the way, years after Chris Evert still favours this elegant jewelry. She even designed a tennis bracelet collection together with Monica Rich Kosann, incorporating her experience from that historical day. “I shared the things I remembered about that day at the US Open in 1978: the green court, the white lines, the dripping sweat of competition, and MY diamond bracelet”, — she shared on her Instagram.

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