ONCE upon a time, Wimbledon was all about camping out for tickets, strawberries, Pimms and millions of armchair tennis experts convincing themselves that this will be the year that a Brit will take the title.

But, in recent years, the tennis tournament has become as much a style extravaganza as a sporting one. In the top eschelons of the game, at least.

You may get away with rocking up in standard issue whites and trainers if you are sneaking in on a wildcard, but for those already used to leaving SW19 with some silverware, only individually designed togs will do.

Of course, that’s not to say fashion and tennis haven't always enjoyed a healthy relationship.

Tailored sportswear dates all the way back to the bustles and bows of the 19th century, and Coco Chanel herself was putting together players’ ensembles in the 1920s.

It is just in recent years things seem to have got a whole lot more competitive as the champs get as serious about their seams as they are about their serves.

Heavy-hitters like Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters – who make millions out of endorsement deals with sportswear brands like Nike – know that, when they walk out on court, fans will expect them to serve up some ace style.

Last year, Russian stunner Sharapova drew gasps when she turned up in a mini tuxedo with see-through panels, while Serena Williams almost gave herself heatstroke by refusing to remove her Nike-designed white trenchcoat during one match.