Image is everything. And who hasn’t seen the images of Andre Agassi’s bold on-court fashion choices? Deeply conscious of how he looked, the American tennis star used to dress himself in flashy designs and wore headbands to cover his receding hairline. Later on, he switched to hats before eventually moving to wigs. But currently, there is another tennis player who has been in the headlines for not just her signature blue and white polka dot headscarf but also her incredible performances on the court.

Diana Shnaider recently ended Venus Williams‘ record 22nd appearance at the Miami Open in the first round. The 19-year-old Russian tennis sensation running the headlines in Miami and many are curious to know why she wears a headscarf.

“I’m doing it all by myself” – Diana Shnaider reveals the secret behind her Andre Agassi-like headscarf

Is the headscarf a fashion statement? Not exactly – per several reports, Diana Shnaider’s parents were worried that the fair-haired teen would burn while playing under the sun. But she didn’t like the usual headgear that is often used by tennis players. Shnaider says caps and visors prevent her from seeing the ball when she tosses it. As a result, she went for a scarf instead. 

How does she manage to get it? The 19YO said, “I’m doing it all by myself. I’m buying the material and sending it to a woman to make the right size headscarf for my head.” Shnaider once revealed that she has been wearing it since she was 9 years old and it has really been helpful so far, protecting her from the sun.

Andre Agassi had his own funky style on the court, even though he was criticized several times for his unusual dressing sense. He celebrated every bit of his uniqueness. How does Diana Shnaider face all those negative comments?

“I felt very under pressure” – Shnaider on facing criticisms over her headscarf

Diana Shnaider’s old-school bandana, which she tied over the top of her hair to protect her scalp from the sun received mixed reactions initially. Elaborating on that she stated, “Half the girls were saying they really loved it. But the other half would tell me I don’t look good in it. There was actually some time when I didn’t wear it because I felt very under pressure from the girls who said I looked bad and I shouldn’t wear it.” However, Shnaider revealed that the valuable lesson taught by her parents helped her fight these negative comments.

She has now been enjoying her own unique individuality, content in her choices. And if they happen to be perceived as fashion statements, well, more power to Diana Shnaider! Can you name a few more tennis stars who wear a headscarf like Andre Agassi?

READ MORE: ‘This Man Bagged Steffi Graf’ – American Icon Andre Agassi’s Funky Avatar From 90s Triggers Diverse Reactions From Tennis Fans