WUHAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts in the Women s Singles Semifinal match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on day 8 of 2025 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 11, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111596588864
WUHAN, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts in the Women s Singles Semifinal match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on day 8 of 2025 Wuhan Open at Optics Valley International Tennis Center on October 11, 2025 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111596588864
While WTA No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is ready to make a fashion statement at this year’s US Open, fans had mixed thoughts on her outfit.
“US Open kit,” the Belarusian’s X post read on August 25. Her basketball-inspired Nike kit, with a vibrant orange base and a black mesh overlay, undoubtedly stood out compared to the classic tennis kits many are used to seeing.
Earlier this year, Sabalenka showed up at the Australian Open in a pink, orange, and black surf-inspired dress, a sleeveless black-and-red “superfruit” ballet-inspired dress at the French Open, and gave a nod to cricket at Wimbledon.
Tennis: Australian Open Jan 21, 2026 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Aryna Sabalenka in action against Zhuoxuan Bai of China in the second round of the womens singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Melbourne Melbourne Park Victoria Australia, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexFreyx 20260120_lbm_zg6_213
Tennis: Australian Open Jan 21, 2026 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Aryna Sabalenka in action against Zhuoxuan Bai of China in the second round of the womens singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Melbourne Melbourne Park Victoria Australia, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexFreyx 20260120_lbm_zg6_213
All of these tribute kits are from Nike’s 2026 Summer Slam collection and created a fair share of buzz on the internet. However, this basketball-themed one seemed to have stood out the most, with fans criticizing it even 27 days into August.
Fans Collided With Praise and Criticism
While the talks have been around for a while now, the tennis star earlier noted that she loved the outfit and “if someone doesn't like it, it's okay." The best thing about fashion for her is that there are no rules, but fans thought otherwise.
“The word fashion needs to be firmly defined, as the term is used too loosely,” wrote a fan. Another added, “Girl, throw that in the trash. It’s about as pretty as a fishing net you found on a boat.” Added another, “This isn't Milan Fashion Week. Horrible kit.”
However, some fans defended the WTA No.1, softened the blow of the criticism and even praised the look. After all, Naomi Osaka’s Jellyfish outfit at the Australian Open was considered a fashion statement, and as Sabalenka stated, “there is room for whatever” in fashion.
“I think it’s fine. If she likes it, I love it. I’m not wearing it,” wrote a fan. Another added, “You deserve so much more, even though everything looks good on you.”
But there were also fans who didn’t quite like the whole sport and fashion amalgamation.
“Can we just make it about the tennis, please? But I get it, the US Open is never about just the tennis,” one wrote.
Amidst the whirlpool of debate, what are your takes on this? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy