I Just Found Out Why It's Called A Tennis Bracelet, And It Is Peak Sports Drama

Buzz Feed

10-07-2025

I always thought the term tennis bracelet was just one of those random names rich people came up with to make things sound fancy. But turns out, there's actual sports drama behind it and it involves a flying diamond, a paused Grand Slam match, and one very iconic wrist.
Before it ever showed up courtside, this piece of jewellery was known as an eternity bracelet. Back in the 1920s, flapper dresses were everywhere, jazz was blasting through every speakeasy, and these loops of diamonds were all about symbolising never-ending love. Very Great Gatsby, very 'pass the champagne', basically made for cocktail parties, not match points.
Then came the 1978 US Open. Chris Evert— actual tennis royalty—was mid-match when her diamond bracelet broke right off her wrist and flew onto the court. And get this: she straight-up asked the officials to pause the game so she could find it.
Honestly? I would've done the exact same thing. If a whole line of diamonds slipped off my wrist in front of a stadium crowd, you'd best believe the match is stopping.
The moment made headlines, and jewellers didn't waste a second. With all eyes suddenly on that flying bracelet, they saw a golden (well, diamond) opportunity. They rebranded the eternity bracelet as the tennis bracelet, turning a mid-match mishap into a full-blown marketing moment.
And the best part? This wasn't even a one-off. Chris Evert had been wearing dainty bracelets on the court for a while, mixing sweatbands with sparkle like it was the most normal thing ever. I see you, girl.
The '70s and '80s brought in a whole new vibe, one where casual met fancy. Think denim and diamonds. There was a growing want for a bracelet that was dainty but still made people turn and look at your wrist. And honestly, the tennis bracelet fit right in. Affluent women jumped on it because it wasn't just pretty; it was a status symbol. Not everyone could afford one, and honestly, that was kind of the point. It became the it piece of jewellery of the decade.
If I'd been around back then, I'd probably be doing the same, standing in front of the mirror, tennis bracelet on my wrist, saying to myself, 'No, I don't play the sport… but I could if I wanted to. Hmm.'
Giphy / Via giphy.com
Fast forward to now, and the tennis bracelet is still having its moment. So much so, that During Zendaya's Challengers press tour, she wore one sleek tennis look after another, and let's just say: the internet noticed. Searches for tennis bracelets spiked by 133%, all because she served (pun fully intended).
You've seen them everywhere: on red carpets, in movies, and casually glinting on Centre Court. The tennis bracelet has had its moment on Serena Williams ' wrist, on Leonardo DiCaprio 's on-screen wife in The Wolf of Wall Street, and yes, probably somewhere on your dream Pinterest board too. But who knew all that sparkle came with a backhand?
These days, the classic row of diamonds is still going strong, usually set in gold or platinum, and always with a clasp that won't quit (thanks, Chris Evert). But now you'll find them with colourful stones, funky shapes, and updated designs that feel less old-school luxury and more like… your vibe, just shinier.
And honestly? Every time I see one now, I can't help but think of that match, those flying diamonds, and Chris Evert just casually changing jewellery history mid-point.