Australian players proudly make fashion statements | April 23, 2024 | All news | News and Features | news and events

Australian player Marc Polmans is launching his own range of veteran hats to promote sun safety in sport.

Melbourne, Australia, April 23, 2024 | Leigh Rogers

Australian Marc Polmans has become a cult favorite thanks to his unique headgear on the pitch.

The 26-year-old regularly wears a Legionnaires hat when he competes, a look more often associated with ball kids than players.

“It has become my trademark, and that’s cool,” says Polmans tennis.com.au during the Australian summer.

“When I play in the AO and look up and see fans in the stands wearing Legionnaires hats, it’s pretty cool to see that I’m influencing a few people.”

That influence is only set to increase, with world number 175 planning to sell its own Legionnaires hats through its Ultimate Digger brand.

“I’m the only player (on tour) wearing this kind of hat, so I don’t know how many people will fall for it,” he admitted.

“But especially for younger people, I think it’s important to wear sun protection when you’re outside and if you can wear a hat then I think you’d do well to protect your ears, which is a popular place for skin cancer.

“I hope I can influence young children to stay smart in the sun.”

Polmans is not the only Australian player with an interest in fashion.

World number 192 Priscilla Hon is co-founder of clothing and lifestyle brand PS Club, which she runs together with a childhood friend.

Earlier this year, Hon created a shirt in honor of her late coach, Anthony Richardson, who lost his battle with melanoma.

All proceeds from sales of the limited edition shirt went to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation.

> READ: Honors beloved late coach with charitable gesture

Hon also designed and sold a limited edition Billie Jean King Cup shirt at the recent match in Brisbane, which is still available to buy from the PS Club online store.

In January, Alex de Minaur helped launch an ASICS shoe (Solution Speed ​​FF 3) that he helped design, while Nick Kyrgios previously also tried his hand at designing shoes, in collaboration with Nike.

De Minaur showed off his fashion style again yesterday at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2024 in Spain, where he walked the red carpet with British partner Katie Boulter.

Find your way to play: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get on the court and have fun!