Diamonds Aren’t Just for the Ladies: Elevating the Men of the US Open

As I come down from the high of watching the tennis competition of the Paris 2024 Olympics and get ready to watch the US Open, I can’t help but notice that the ladies aren’t the only ones who should be sparkling. We know they’ve been dazzling us with their on-court bling for years, but what about the men? Let’s face it—today’s male tennis stars are no strangers to style, whether it’s their sleek gear, statement watches, or even the occasional chain peeking out from under a collar. But I can’t help but think, “What if they took it up a notch with some natural diamond jewelry?” After all, nothing says “champion” quite like a well-placed diamond. Imagine the impact of a perfectly placed bracelet or a diamond chain reveal during an infamous courtside shirt change. So, I’m here to make my case and have a little fun by matching some of the top male tennis players with diamond pieces that could elevate their looks from great to grand slam. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic, the recent gold medalist from the Paris Olympics and current world #2, is undeniably one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, his accessory game could use a little coaching. Djokovic often aces the court wearing a wooden cross necklace on a leather cord—a piece that, while likely sentimental, could use a stylish upgrade. If the cross is non-negotiable, there’s still room to enhance the look. I suggest swapping the leather cord for a diamond tennis necklace. A 24-inch yellow-gold version, like this one from Icebox, would maintain the familiar vibe while adding a level of sophistication befitting one of the GOATs.

Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old Italian phenom and current world #1, has everyone eagerly anticipating his performance at this year’s US Open. As a Gucci ambassador, he’s rarely seen without his signature Gucci tennis bag when stepping onto the court, but beyond his Rolex, his accessory game could use a boost. So, why not lift his look with a touch of Gucci’s fine diamond jewelry? A Horsebit diamond bracelet would add just the right touch of elegance while keeping it perfectly within the Gucci family. 

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation and current World #3, has been the name on everyone’s lips over the past year. His epic Olympic final against veteran Novak Djokovic, where he narrowly missed out on gold, will go down in history. And if you’re looking to bet on this year’s US Open, all eyes are on Alcaraz as the favorite. Known for his habit of shedding his shirt during matches—much to the delight of fans—why not give the crowd even more to talk about with a diamond tennis necklace stack, like the kind Christopher Briney rocked for Only Natural Diamonds? A well-placed diamond necklace could be the perfect complement to a bare chest, and let’s face it, few things rival the allure of natural diamonds on skin. It might just be the only thing that could steal the spotlight from his game.

Andrey Rublev

Andrey Rublev, currently ranked world #6 and a must-watch player at the US Open, has a knack for accessorizing like few others on the court. However, there’s one glaring omission in his style—enough diamonds. As a Bulgari ambassador, Rublev is often seen sporting one of his prized Bulgari watches, expertly paired with a heavy stack of silver and black bracelets, including beaded and woven styles. He’s also a fan of stacking chains, often layering three or four pendant necklaces when he takes to the court. While his initial and Libra pendants earn him some diamond points, his bracelet stack could use an upgrade. Adding black diamond and ceramic and diamond bracelets from Stephanie Gottlieb would maintain his rugged, masculine vibe while earning him the extra points he truly deserves.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal, the Spanish sensation and second all-time tennis prize money leader, has never been celebrated for his fashion sense. However, when it comes to accessories, particularly watches, he’s a different story. Nadal’s long-standing friendship and collaboration with legendary watchmaker Richard Mille has produced more than just advertisements; it’s resulted in iconic timepieces, some even named ‘Rafa’ in his honor. While Nadal is never seen without one of these sporty masterpieces, the look could use a bit of polish. A classic white gold diamond tennis bracelet like this 7-carat version from Shay, worn alongside the watch, would instantly improve his style, serving his wrist game into the stratosphere.

Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton may only currently be ranked World #13, but the rising American star has been capturing the hearts of tennis fans since his electrifying debut in 2022. An underdog story culminating in a US Open victory from the young American would be the fairytale ending everyone is rooting for. Known for his signature silver woven chains that swing with every powerful hit, Shelton’s style is on point—except those diamondless chains fall short of matching his dynamic game. A simple upgrade to some natural diamond-encrusted pieces, like the uniquely designed natural diamond Time Out necklace from OX, would elevate his accessory game to the same level as his tennis prowess.

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev, currently ranked World #4, is a strong contender for this year’s US Open title. Standing six and a half feet tall, the German player’s powerful gameplay is always a thrill to watch. Equally eye-catching is his signature stack of gold chains and pendants—which, believe it or not, are often seen in his mouth during matches. If Zverev realized that natural diamonds taste even better than plain gold, he could swap those yellow gold pieces for these stunning diamond-stacked versions from David Yurman. Not only are they more fitting for the World’s #4 player, but they could boost him to #1 in the accessory game.