Serena Williams and the Tennis Bracelet Legacy

When Serena Williams stepped onto the court for what may have been her final match at the 2022 US Open, her performance wasn’t just athletic — it was iconic. Dressed in a custom black Nike tennis outfit adorned with diamonds, the GOAT of women’s tennis paid homage to a piece of jewelry that holds personal and historical significance: the diamond tennis bracelet.

The term “tennis bracelet” entered pop culture in 1987 when fellow tennis legend Chris Evert lost her diamond bracelet mid-match during the US Open. She famously asked the officials to pause the game while she searched for it. Since then, the simple but elegant line of diamonds has been tied to women’s tennis — and to powerful, graceful femininity.

Serena’s 2022 version wasn’t just a nod to that story — it was a statement. Crafted with white diamonds, her bracelet complemented her custom diamond-studded shoes, glittery dress, and matching hair gems. The total look was estimated to feature over 400 hand-set diamonds, supplied by jewelry designer Serena Williams Jewelry in collaboration with Nike and De Beers.

But beyond the sparkle, there was symbolism: this was a woman at the peak of a historic career, owning her narrative, fusing athleticism with fashion and legacy. Her jewelry choices told a story of empowerment — not just performance.

Media coverage exploded after the match, with Vogue, Elle, ESPN, and The Cut all noting the sparkle. “This is how legends retire,” one headline read. And the tennis bracelet, once seen as a dainty status symbol, had once again become a badge of strength, elegance, and control.

For jewelry lovers and sports fans alike, Serena's appearance redefined how high-end diamonds can be worn — not just on red carpets, but in arenas, under pressure, in full motion. It was luxury reimagined.