2026 US Open - Fan Week
Caleb Bowlin//Getty Images
Malika Andrews is becoming omnipresent on ESPN as she leads the network’s primetime U.S. Open coverage this year. She joined the network back in 2018 after reporting on the NBA for The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune, initially covering the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls before becoming a national correspondent and sideline reporter. She went on to host NBA Today and NBA Countdown, became the first woman to host the NBA Draft in 2022, and has since expanded into WNBA and tennis coverage.
“The entire tennis team at ESPN is so wonderful, welcoming and funny,” she tells Town & Country. “Chris [McKendry] told me early on: Stay upbeat, keep it simple and let your analysts teach us all. She is absolutely right. I learn so much from Andy Roddick, Caroline Wozniacki, James Blake and Chris Eubanks every day.”
Woman sitting on the floor in a white shirt and black leggings with curly hair, looking confidently at the camera.
Luis Mora
Andrews for Rothy’s.
In addition to her on-air duties, Andrews is starring in Rothy’s new “Point of View” campaign. “Encouraging women to stand in their unique perspective is something that really aligns with how I’ve approached both my career and my personal life,” she says. “I am often asked about being a woman in a ‘male-dominated field’ and I believe that our perspectives is what make us uniquely us. I do the job that I do the way that I do it because I am a woman, not in spite of it.”
Of being featured in the campaign, she added, “It was also interesting being the one interviewed since I’m so used to it being the other way around. As a journalist, I spend so much of my time asking other people what they think and why, so it was fun to turn that lens on myself for a change.” Ahead of finals weekend, Andrews took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with T&C about her on-air style, what she’s learned covering tennis, and a hint (think: Cher in Clueless) for her finals outfits.
How do you approach your style on air?
I have always understood that style and fashion can be a powerful storytelling tool. My longtime stylist and collaborator, Leon Gray, and I have worked to curate intentional looks to match the assignment I am stepping into. My personal style has evolved over the years, when I was younger my go-to was a colorful, well tailored suit. I wanted to project a seriousness, but also used color to keep things fun and feminine. Now, I play more in different silhouettes, mixed patterns and classics with an interesting shape. Princess Diana, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Colman Domingo are my style muses! My goal is always to feel confident in what I am wearing, so I can focus on the work.
2026 US Open - Day 10
Jennifer Pottheiser//Getty Images Andrews, right, during an interview with Frances Tiafoe.
Is there a difference in dressing to cover NBA vs. the U.S. Open?
Leon and I approach each event differently, yes. We have leaned into Americana, smart tailoring, ties, vests and a “tennis smart feel.” For the NBA Western Conference Finals last year, we chose all denim to reflect the midwest roots of the matchup. At the Australian Open this year, we leaned into bright colors and color blocking to mirror the “happy slam” mood. For WNBA Countdown, I only wear women-owned and led brands.
Can you share a tease of what you are going to wear for finals weekend?
Stacey Dash And Alicia Silverstone In 'Clueless'
Archive Photos//Getty Images
Stacey Dash and Alicia Silverstone in Clueless.
We are sticking with the smart suit theme for both... the women’s final, I feel very much like I stepped out of Clueless. For the men’s final, I worked with the team at Saks to curate the look.
Were you always a tennis fan?
My dad worked at the San Francisco Tennis Club as a manager when I was a kid, and so I have loved tennis casually. But I have learned a lot on the job and in the months leading up to my first slam.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned as you've been more immersed in the tennis world?
I don’t know about surprising, but I have a new appreciation for the individual dedication that tennis takes. One of the most remarkable sports feats I have seen was down in Australia when Carlos Alcaraz cruised up 2 sets to love on Sasha Zverev in the semifinals and then got cramps in the third set. He limped through the next two sets, slamming pickle juice at changeovers. Then, in the fifth set, his form slowly started to return. It seems so simple, but the idea that there was no substitution or timeout called. And the momentum swings of tennis... It’s remarkable.
What’s your favorite part of sports broadcasting?
Denver Nuggets v Los Angeles Clippers
Kevork Djansezian//Getty Images Andrews on the sideline during a pre-season NBA game last October.
It's hard to narrow it down to one thing. I love getting to meet and be the catalyst for fans to meet their heroes. I am deeply touched that I am entrusted with the stories that shape sports’ biggest moments and I do not take that for granted. And I love that the job never looks the same two days in a row.
What advice would you give for young women looking to get into the industry?
Be willing to put in the work, stay curious, and be yourself. Everyone else is taken. And the world needs your perspective.
Emily Burack
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.