Fit check: Taylor Fritz, Flavio Cobolli and co. are bringing tunnel walks to tennis

MIAMI, Fla.—The ATP Tour continued its mission to turn the stars of men’s tennis into fashion icons this week as the Miami Open edition of Athlete Arrivals hits Hard Rock Stadium.

Inspired by viral ‘tunnel walks’ in the NBA and paddock arrival fits in Formula 1, the ATP has created a Style Studio where players can pick from a designer wardrobe and consult with stylist Mabolaji Dawodu, former GQ fashion director, before stepping out for a photoshoot at a tournament venue.

Read More: ‘Athlete Arrivals’ debut at Indian Wells: Can the ATP manufacture a viral fashion moment?

“It’s a cool idea. I like it, it’s something different,” said Taylor Fritz, who participated in the initiative in Indian Wells and Miami.

Fritz is a global ambassador for Hugo Boss, one of two tennis players to wear the BOSS label on court, alongside Matteo Berrettini. That partnership also has the benefit of providing off-court attire—Fritz says he always packs a few dressier outfits for all the player parties, tournament events, sponsor activations and important meetings that make up life on Tour.

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But for players who might not have access to designer clothes on speed dial, the ATP’s Style Studio is a new and welcome resource. Plus, a photographer on hand ensures players will have plenty of content to share on their own social channels as they build their brand.

In Miami, Fritz was joined by Flavio Cobolli, Gabriel Diallo and Zizou Bergs in taking part in the walk-outs—and he wants more players to get involved.

“We could probably get to a point where we just normalize it for a day at the tournament,” he said. “Like, everyone just does it (styled arrivals) for one day and shows up like that.”

That would help make the fashion feel more natural—and not just another box to tick in the pre-tournament promotion plan.

“I don’t like the part of it where it’s a bit more like a media obligation type of thing,” he explained, “where you have to dress up and show up… I think if it was more natural, it’d be even better."

Check out what Fritz and co. wore in Miami: