Destanee Aiava hopes to soon get a sponsor but in the meantime she continues to improvise and will probably buy a $35dress from Facebook for her opening match at the Australian Open.
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This week, the 195th-ranked Australian won three qualifying matches to earn her first main draw appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021.
But it wasn't only the 24-year-old's play that drew positive attention this week - the vintage dresses of Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic that she wore also stuck out.
After beating Eva Lys in the qualifying final round, Aiava was asked if she had another fashion trick for the main draw and her first-round match against Greetje Minnen.
"I found one on Facebook yesterday before my match. I might go pick that up (laughter). Only $35, which is a steal," the former world No. 147 said.
"But yeah, I've struggled with clothing sponsorships for the last couple years. I love my fashion. I always love the older dresses that don't get any wear in anymore."
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Aiava: I don't like to wear the same thing but I'm hoping to get a sponsor
As long as the Australian tennis player doesn't have a clothing sponsor, she can pick whatever she wants for her matches - and that's the positive thing about her current situation.
But constantly buying new outfits is costing her money and it would be easier for her to get someone who will provide her with tennis outfits.
"I think some of the stuff that is being designed are quite ugly (laughter). I just like to wear what I think looks good. I don't like wearing the same thing as everyone else," Aiava said.
"I know I had to do that whilst I was sponsored. I am hoping to get a sponsor. I'll probably have to put up with wearing the same thing as other people."
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In her previous four Australian Open main draw appearances, the world No. 195 picked up as many first-round defeats.
It remains to be seen if Aiava can change that when she meets Minnen.
