Morgan Riddle Says This Is the Secret to Nailing Tenniscore in 2026

Morgan Riddle has casually become a fixture of the tennis world, but one that isn’t dictated by forehands, backhands, or match points. The courtside style icon-slash-social media star has played a pivotal role in bringing the sport and all its fandom, fashion, and cultural cachet into the mainstream fold—one “get ready with me for the US Open” at a time.Tenniscore, much like the sport itself, has evolved. It’s less about dressing like you’re about to hit the court and more about giving a knowing nod to the game. “I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever styled a tennis skirt,” Morgan laughs during a chat with Cosmo.Her take is simple: the trend shouldn’t be thought of so literally. You’re not confined to a uniform of pleated whites and Ralph Lauren polos—though, go off, if that’s your vibe. Instead, Morgan suggests incorporating tennis ball charms on your heels or a little tennis-themed necklace so it feels like a play on the trend rather than a costume.Alex + Ani Tennis Racket 'You Are Serving' Wrap RingCredit: Alex + AniSolar Eclipse Hand-Painted Tennis Ball Bag Charm + Keychaingorjana Varsity Parker CharmCredit: GorjanaBottega Veneta Tennis Ball CharmCredit: Bottega VenetaAnabel Aram 18K-Gold-Plated, Pearl & Enamel Tennis Racket CharmCredit: Saks Fifth AvenueCoach Tennis Racquet CharmCredit: Coach“The summer Challengers came out was probably the real mainstream resurgence of tenniscore, where a lot of people were taking it very literally,” she continues. “And now as spectatorship and female fandom have grown in tennis, it’s sort of evolved into more of a fashion event, too.”If you’re actually attending a tournament, like the U.S. Open—which runs through September 13 in New York—there’s permission to play with the theme, just maybe not in the way you think.Native Pet / Weston KloefkornMorgan Riddle pictured with her dog, Bagel, at a recent Native Pet event in NYC. The brand just matched her $5k donation to her new pup’s rescue.“I love like a kitschy sort of thing for the U.S. Open, specifically,” Morgan says while promoting her partnership with Native Pet. “I [dress] more towards New York than like tennis itself. It’s such a cool New York sporting event, and I went to college in New York, I live in New York now, I absolutely love New York.”Sporty & Rich Yankees Krystal Cropped Tank - Candy/WhiteCoach Small Taxi Bag CharmCredit: CoachAbercrombie Abbode High Rise 90s Relaxed Embroidered JeanCredit: AbercrombieAbercrombie Abbode Low Rise Ultra Loose Embroidered JeanCredit: AbercrombieSusan Alexandra Real New Yorker BagCredit: Susan AlexandraAbercrombie Abbode Bra-Free 90s Embroidered Seamless Fabric CamiCredit: AbercrombieLast year, she opted for a casual white tank with a beaded apple on it and more customizations. “I put pins on my jeans that had a taxi cab and a bedazzled New York. I’ve done the New York Coach bag charms.”It girls are also leaning into ‘90s athleisure for the event. “When I was on the grounds the other day, it seemed like a lot of girls were going for chic, city sporty [looks], which I think is smart because if you’re having a long day at the Open and you’re taking the subway, you should be as comfortable as possible.”Morgan notes that on the other end of the spectrum, some girlies are leaning a little Wimbledon-esque with high fashion ‘fits, even Birkins. “What's so great about the U.S. Open is that it's all across the board,” she says. “Like there's the girls who just come in like T-shirts and shorts and just want to enjoy their day. There's some who make it a girls' day. There's some who make it a fashion event for themselves, and like everyone's enjoying it in their own way.”One non-negotiable accessory, though? A mini Dyson fan. “They have these little fans that are sort of like a mini hair dryer. They’re super powerful, and on a hot day at the Open, it’s a lifesaver.” The girls who get it, get it.Dyson HushJet™ Mini Cool fanGaiatop Portable Handheld Mini FanFanadith Mini FanMegan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.