There was Roger's cardie and Maria's tuxedo to compete with her - but Serena Williams won handsdown in the eye-catching outfit championship yesterday.

Despite the clement weather, the 26-year-old American insisted on wearing a raincoat as she warmed up for her Court 1 match against Estonian Kaia Kanepi.

Whether it proved a help or a hindrance is debatable - Miss Williams made relatively heavy weather of beating her unfancied opponent 7-5, 6-3.

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Bags of style: Serena Williams arrives for her Wimbledon 2008 debut in a belted raincoat and later took it off to reveal a skimpy white tennis dress for her match against Kaia Kanepi

'But it's ladylike and I'm very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality and everything else.

'It's definitely kind of retro inspired; buckles on the wrist, the waistband tie. You can tie it or button it.

'I don't think it's going to keep the rain away but we can always hope.'

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Sophisticated: Maria Sharapova will unveil her tailored new look tomorrow (left) and on the practise court today in more casual shorts and vest (right)

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Get shorty: Left, Sharapova's new look; right, the early designs of her Wimbledon outfit

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Dapper: Roger Federer's smart cardigan and leather bag are reminiscent of old-school tennis style pioneered by Fred Perry

He said: 'I thought, let's move on to something a little bit different.

'We thought about something nice like a cardigan, a jumper. I think the result is nice. It's a little easier to wear than the jacket to be honest.'

In addition, Russian glamour girl Maria Sharapova's much-discussed short suit was unveiled.

The 6ft 2in star, who plays her first-round match today, will step on court in a pure white tuxedo-style suit before stripping off to reveal shorts and a sleeveless top.