Aryna Sabalenka’s US Open outfit has become an unexpected talking point before her singles title defense, with fans sharply divided over Nike’s bold design. The world No. 1 wore a black mesh dress over a bright orange sports bra and matching shorts during Fan Week. The basketball-inspired look quickly drew criticism online, even as Sabalenka made clear she personally liked it.
The debate has added another layer of attention to her return to New York. It also highlights how closely fans now follow players’ fashion choices alongside their performances. Her bold appearance ensures that she will attract attention both on and off the court.
Why did Sabalenka’s outfit attract so much attention?
According to the US Open, Sabalenka’s dress uses black mesh over Knicks-orange layers, tying into the basketball influence running through several 2026 tournament looks. That matters because the U.S. Open is increasingly as much a fashion event as a tennis showcase. The official coverage highlighted multiple basketball-inspired outfits, making Sabalenka’s look part of a broader trend.
Still, the reaction to her outfit was unusually strong. Social media posts featured fans calling the kit unattractive and questioning whether the mesh-heavy design looked appropriate for a tennis court.
Fans didn’t hold back online
The criticism began before Sabalenka even stepped onto the court for her mixed doubles appearance. Some fans objected to the fishnet-style overlay, while others focused on the bright base layer and black mesh.
The reaction wasn’t unanimous, though. Some fans defended the outfit’s originality, while others praised Sabalenka for taking a fashion risk. That split is important because online reactions represent a loud segment of the audience, not a formal consensus among tennis fans.
Sabalenka herself appeared unfazed by the backlash. Earlier in August, she said she loved the outfit and acknowledged that no clothing choice could please everyone.
Sabalenka has embraced fashion beyond tennis
The world No. 1 has never treated her tournament clothing as an afterthought. Her 2026 US Open appearance has included a major jewelry component as well, with the official U.S. Open reporting that she wore pieces featuring about 125 carats of gemstones during her mixed doubles appearance.
That combination made the outfit even more noticeable. Instead of relying on a traditional tennis aesthetic, the look leaned into New York, basketball, and high-fashion influences.
It also fits the larger personality Sabalenka has built around her public image. She has become increasingly comfortable with expressive fashion, and her response to the criticism suggests she has no intention of making every choice based on social media approval.
Fun fact: Sabalenka won the 2024 and 2025 US Open titles, making her the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win consecutive singles championships in New York. A third straight title would put her among the tournament’s most notable repeat champions.
The mixed doubles result added another layer
Sabalenka partnered with Novak Djokovic against Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten during the US Open mixed doubles, giving fans an early look at her new Nike outfit in competition.
Sabalenka and Djokovic won the opening set 4-1, but Siniakova and Patten took the second 4-2 and then won the match tiebreak 10-2. The loss eliminated the top-seeded pairing in the opening round.
Sabalenka now turns her attention to the women’s singles draw, where she enters as the defending champion and world No. 1.
Fun fact: Sabalenka won her first Indian Wells title in March 2026 after saving a championship point against Elena Rybakina. She won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) for her 23rd career WTA singles title.
Why the outfit debate is bigger than one dress
The backlash says something about how tennis fashion has changed. Players now regularly work with major brands on custom looks designed to create an identity around tournaments, and the U.S. Open has become a particularly visible stage for those choices.
Sabalenka’s outfit is also arriving at a tournament with enormous expectations. She has won the last two women’s singles titles in New York, so every appearance naturally attracts more attention than it might for a lower-profile player.
That makes the fashion conversation difficult to completely separate from the pressure of sport. Fans are already watching Sabalenka closely, and the outfit has given them another subject to discuss before the first singles ball of her title defense.
Fun fact: When Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in the 2025 final, she earned her 100th career Grand Slam main-draw match victory. She also captured her fourth major singles title with the 6-3, 7-6(3) win.
What Sabalenka’s response tells us
The clearest confirmed takeaway is that Sabalenka likes the outfit. In her August 6 press conference, she said she loved the design and acknowledged that fashion cannot please everyone.
Her response shows that she is comfortable with the basketball-inspired look despite the divided online reaction. The design was intended to stand out, and it has already become a prominent talking point around her US Open appearance.
As the singles tournament approaches, attention will shift to Sabalenka’s attempt to win a third consecutive US Open title.
TL;DR
- Aryna Sabalenka’s Nike US Open look features black mesh over Knicks-orange layers.
- Fans have sharply criticized the design online, while others have defended its originality.
- Sabalenka has said she likes the outfit and accepts that not everyone will approve.
- She wore the look during mixed doubles with Novak Djokovic before her singles title defense.
- Sabalenka enters the 2026 US Open as the reigning two-time champion and world No. 1.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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