Date-Krumm & Mattek-Sands: A Tale of Two Styles

Their hyphenated monikers notwithstanding, Kimiko Date-Krumm and Bethanie Mattek-Sands have taken different paths in their careers and lives. Back in 1996, KDK had one Steffi Graf on the ropes in a Wimbledon semifinal encounter. At 43, she's still going strong, with her flat, no-nonsense strokes slowly but surely taking down foes.

Meanwhile, BMS has been a stylish, flashy player, with a game predicated on power from day one. (And that started in this cool young century.) She's not so much a trendsetter exactly as a trend-starter, and also a trend finisher. Witness last year's Google Glass experiment, and yesteryear's tennis-ball gown from the Wimbledon players' pre-party:

Based on their respective histories, it's no surprise that KDK and BMS emerged for the 2014 WTA season—holy acronyms—with follicles firmly intact in ways that reveal both of their admirable personalities. See this clip for looks at both their hairstyles and their opening-round matches in the Auckland event:

For Date-Krumm's dome, a short, crisp cut: Smart, sensible, and yet stylish for the grande dame of the WTA tour's singles brigade. And for Mattek-Sands, a blonde look but for the purple that takes over in the topknot perched above her brain, fashion-forward and slightly erratic in appearance. And the result each found in said season-debut matches reflects those M.O.s as well.

What are you most looking forward to among Australian Open styles, and the season on the whole? Something on par with Serena Williams' 2013 dress as worn in her Miami final victory over Maria Sharapova? That was the Spin's favorite tennis dress of the year. Sound off about your sartorial hopes below.

Got a thought, a tip, or a point to make? Hit me on Twitter @jonscott9.