Wimbledon 2012: Maria Sharapova Dazzles on Green Carpet for Pre-Tournament Party

It was a feast for the eyes, as tennis stars walked the green carpet at the ninth annual pre-Wimbledon party at The Roof Gardens in Kensington, in gorgeous outfits and dashing smiles. The star of the event was easily the number one women's tennis player in the world - Russian Maria Sharapova.

The 25 year old reigning French Open champion (and 2004 Wimbledon winner) opted for a sheer white metal-embroidered dress with waterfall hemline made by Antonio Berardi. She kept her ensemble simple by clubbing with Amrapali jewelry that matched the rich red heels by Roger Vivier and petite white clutch by Alexander McQueen. The Russian beauty is a clear favourite at the Wimbledon after completing her career Grand Slam by winning the 2012 French Open and regaining the number one position in the rankings.

"I love being in London and the energy of this city," Maria was quoted as saying in Just Jared online, "That energy inspired me to explore Britain's up-and-coming talent and to support designer Antonio Berardi, who was kind enough to make my dress."

Meanwhile, the Williams sisters - Serena and Venus - opted for Burberry dresses. Serena looked chic in her purple frock with a black mesh neckline, to which she added simple accessories and black high heels. She kept her natural look, leaving her hair loose with wild curls. Her elder sister, Venus, opted for a white dress with a deep V-neck styled with beige heels and combined with a single bracelet and oval-shaped earrings. Her hairdo was blonde tresses braided in a side-part style. Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki was in a black one-shouldered Stella McCartney dress, while Russian Elena Vesnina looked elegant in a bright green floor-length gown.

Incidentally, for the second year in a row, the British Fashion Council joined hands with leading British designers in designing outfits for the players.

The serious business of the Championships in SW19 will start on Monday

To take a look at the green carpet photographs, click here...