ACE: The Times & Style of Tennis is a must-have book for tennis enthusiasts who appreciate fashion. Sunita Kumar Nair, a renowned fashion expert and author of the acclaimed CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion, has crafted a comprehensive exploration of tennis style. Her extensive background in fashion journalism and collaboration with industry visionaries make her the ideal author for this project.
In her book, Kumar Nair delves into the fascinating world of tennis fashion, uncovering the sport's defining moments, iconic players, and the designers who have shaped its style. She spoke with Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI about the book's creation, revealing the challenges and rewards of the process.
Kumar Nair's favorite aspect of writing ACE was the opportunity to explore the technical aspects of sportswear design, including fabric testing and innovations. She found it fascinating that brands like Nike and Adidas prioritize the mantra 'if you feel good, you play good' in their performance wear. This focus on both performance and aesthetics is a key theme in the book.
One of the most challenging parts of writing ACE was bridging the gap between the luxury fashion world and the sports industry. Kumar Nair had to convince sports brands and agents that her expertise in fashion could contribute to the world of sportswear. She wanted to match the level of information, integrity, and research found in luxury fashion publications.
Kumar Nair's favorite interviews were with players who revealed the psychological and animal-like aspects of their fashion choices. She was surprised by their openness and the depth of their insights. She particularly wanted to interview Serena Williams, a groundbreaking figure who has torn down obstacles in the perception of women in tennis. The author hopes to speak with her in the future, especially given her role as a mother and the objectification of female players on court.
The cover of ACE features a powerful image by Robbie Lawrence, capturing Coco Gauff in action at the U.S. Open. Kumar Nair chose this image to evoke the on-court experience and leave the interpretation of the title, 'ace', open to the reader's imagination.
Kumar Nair praises Adidas's Trefoil collection and New Balance's collaboration with Miu Miu, highlighting the potential for more fashion-forward collaborations in tennis. She also admires the classic and graceful style of players like Marta Kostyuk in Wilson outfits. The author believes there is a growing appreciation for the intersection of fashion and tennis, and she looks forward to seeing more innovative collaborations in the future.
