Get ready for the hard court and the evening event with tennis player Kemal Karagozoglu

August marks the start of the most exciting tennis season in New York City, with players and fans gathering to watch the sport’s biggest names battle it out for the title.

For tennis player, coach and model Kemal Karagozoglu, this time of year is extra special. Having captained his college tennis team and continued playing in his spare time around the city, Karagozoglu deeply appreciates how the tennis community has shaped his personality and style both on and off the court.

To celebrate the season, Karagozoglu walked Hypebeast through his tennis-inspired styling approach for this year’s festivities – starting with an all-white look for a quick match and ending with a more casual street outfit for the star-studded ASICS & ACES event, which featured appearances from Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.

Karagozoglu reflects ASICS Tennis’ belief in “the power of sport” and the latest apparel collection he wears allows him to stand out from the crowd. His personal ethos follows ASCIS’ focus on shaping the tennis community and building a growth mindset.

We had a moment to sit down with Karagozoglu and learn more about the impact tennis has on his life, his life in New York, and his ASICS shoe style.

What role has tennis played in your life? What do you like most about the tennis culture in New York City?

I mean, tennis. Tennis is my life. Without tennis, I wouldn’t be who I am. I wouldn’t know the people I know. Everything I’ve done is because of tennis. Especially in the city, it’s been incredible because here in the city, you feel like everyone is working hard all the time, even outside of tennis. People are on the courts at 5:30 in the morning, willing to stand in line for three hours just to play for 30 minutes. Everyone has this mutual respect for each other and for the sport that brings us a little closer together. Every time I go on the courts, I meet 5-6 new people. It’s incredible.

What is your typical style on the court? What is it like off the court? What is the difference?

On the pitch I still care about a certain style, but I prefer to keep it pretty simple. I want to be a little different to everyone else, but not so different that I stand out completely. I love a slightly oversized t-shirt and maybe a nice design – something you don’t see from far away, but when you get closer you see those little details that set me apart from everyone else.

Off the court, I like to wear a little more personality. Most athletes just wear sweatpants and a hoodie, which I think is cool sometimes, but I like to spice things up a little. Put on baggy jeans, a cropped shirt, or a ribbed tank top. I like to wear more layers, maybe a camp shirt with a collar.

What do you look for in a tennis outfit? You’ve already talked a bit about your preference for patterns.

I like a little design, like something you don’t see from far away, but when you get closer you see the material and the design. I like it pretty comfortable, sporty, athletic, but I also want some class in it. Maybe even a little cotton. I know some people might not agree with that, but I just like it a little thicker.

How do you deal with accessories?

I love wearing jewelry. If you see me on the field, I always wear a ring. I also wear my two necklaces. Even though most athletes don’t agree with it, I like to be a little different. I even wear a headband. I love bracelets, a hat worn backwards, anything that adds a little extra something.

What do you look for in a good tennis shoe? How does the ASICS shoe perform?

I like it to be stable because I slide like crazy. I wear shoes about once a week that are stable and secure on the ankle and have some ankle support. Most athletes sprain their ankles all the time, so I think it’s important that they are like that.

I love the Skyhand OG. I think it’s super sleek and when I put it on I feel like a superhero. Does that make sense? I feel like I can run through anything. You feel that support and that comfort, that’s always been the most important thing about ASICS. Most tennis shoes you have to wear for a week to get used to. With ASICS I can put it on the first day and I’m ready to go, which is a big deal as a tennis player.

Tell us about the outfit you put together with ASICS.

I started with the all-white, classic, clean look, which is one of my favorites. I mean, you can’t really go wrong with that. It was very simple, clean, and comfortable. I love how soft it is, but at the same time it has that sporty feel. I felt very comfortable in it, but still a little bit like a superhero, which is clearly a big deal for me.

Then we put on the blue. This texture on the Actibreeze Short Sleeve is something you can’t see from a distance, but when you get closer you really see it. It’s a unique style, with little holes and the touch of green, the neon brings a bit of color, not too much. I think ASICS did this perfectly.

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Nayqyan Shuler / Hypebeast

What is the energy of New York like this time of year for tennis enthusiasts, players and lovers?

It’s amazing to see that these people actually love the sport that you grew up with. I think that’s special because sometimes it feels small, but this time of year you see that it’s actually very big and everyone enjoys it. It brings different people together, that’s why I love it.

Shop the latest ASICS tennis clothing collection, now available in store and online at ASICS.com.