World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has attracted widespread attention not only because of her unexpected defeat, but also because of the controversial outfit she wore at the start of the US Open.
Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, who teamed up as an all-star pairing to compete in the mixed doubles tournament with a $1 million prize pool, suffered a shocking defeat in their very first match. The result came as a surprise to many fans, given the enormous experience and star power of the two tennis champions.
However, on social media, the main topic of discussion quickly became Sabalenka’s daring Nike outfit rather than the result of the match.
The Belarusian tennis star appeared on court wearing a black mesh dress that was almost completely transparent, revealing her bright orange sports bra and matching underwear underneath. She completed the striking look with chunky, eye-catching jewelry.
The unusual design immediately divided opinion online. While some fans praised Sabalenka for embracing a bold and unconventional fashion choice, others criticized the outfit, describing it as “vulgar,” “tasteless,” and inappropriate for a major tennis tournament.
One X user sarcastically commented that Sabalenka appeared to be leading the US Open’s “streetwear fashion parade,” referring to the combination of the mesh outfit and visible sportswear underneath. The commenter also questioned why New York seemed to attract so much provocative fashion.
Another social media user was even more blunt, writing that Sabalenka’s outfit looked like something that simply “could not be real.” The criticism continued as fans debated whether the unusual combination was fashionable, playful, or simply too much for a tennis court.
Others appeared genuinely confused by the look. One fan questioned what exactly Sabalenka was wearing, drawing attention to the fishnet-style material and the heavy jewelry. The user also wondered who had styled the tennis star for the occasion.
Not everyone was negative, however. Some fans defended Sabalenka and praised her willingness to experiment with fashion. They described the outfit as fun, daring, and deliberately provocative, especially in comparison with the traditionally conservative world of tennis fashion.
For decades, tennis clothing has generally focused on clean silhouettes, athletic functionality, and relatively conventional designs. Sabalenka’s outfit appeared to challenge those expectations, combining sportswear with elements more commonly associated with high-fashion street style.
Some fans even joked about the situation, suggesting that Nike had deliberately given Sabalenka such an outrageous outfit after seeing that she was at risk of losing her position at the top of the world rankings. The jokes added another layer to the online conversation surrounding her appearance.
Sabalenka herself has remained remarkably relaxed about the criticism. Earlier this month, after revealing her new tournament outfit, she made it clear that she personally loved the design and had no problem with the fact that it might not appeal to everyone.
“I really think they’ve become more creative and fun lately,” Sabalenka said while discussing the direction of her recent tennis outfits. “I love my outfit. If someone doesn’t like it, that’s okay. You can’t please everyone, and that’s why I love fashion.”
Her comments suggest that the controversial design was very much intentional. Rather than trying to satisfy every critic, Sabalenka appears to be embracing fashion as another way to express her personality both on and off the court.
The dramatic outfit also fits with a broader trend in modern tennis, where leading players are increasingly using tournament clothing to make fashion statements. From unconventional silhouettes to bright colors, unusual materials, and collaborations with major sportswear brands, tennis fashion has gradually become another part of the spectacle surrounding the sport.
For Sabalenka, the attention comes at a particularly interesting moment in her career. As the world No. 1, almost everything she does on court and off it attracts intense scrutiny. Her unexpected early defeat alongside Djokovic only amplified the attention surrounding her appearance.
Although the result of the mixed doubles match was disappointing for the star-studded pair, Sabalenka’s outfit ensured that she remained one of the most talked-about figures at the tournament.
Whether fans consider the look bold and fashionable or excessive and tasteless, one thing is clear: Sabalenka has once again succeeded in generating conversation. And judging by her own comments, she has no intention of changing her approach simply to satisfy her critics.
For the tennis star, fashion appears to be about experimentation, personality, and having fun. And at least when it comes to this particular Nike outfit, Sabalenka seems perfectly comfortable letting the internet argue about it.
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