Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, certainly made a statement at the U.S. Open on Tuesday, but it wasn’t just her game getting all the buzz. Stepping onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for a mixed doubles match with Novak Djokovic against Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten, Sabalenka rocked a Nike outfit that had everyone talking, and not always in a good way. We’re talking full-on fishnet, or mesh, depending on who you asked, over a red sports bra and shorts. Yeah, you read that right.
The Boldest Look in Tennis?
This wasn’t just some regular match kit. Sabalenka’s look was designed to stand out, pairing that black, see-through dress with some serious bling. She flashed custom Material Good jewelry specifically crafted for the U.S. Open, including an 83-carat necklace, a matching bracelet, and oversized drop earrings. The whole vibe was meant to match her personality and the energy of New York, which, let’s be real, is pretty bold. Teresa Panico, Director of Marketing for Material Good, told “Town and Country Magazine” they worked “in tandem with her to create something very specific for her playing on the court and her vibe and style.” Panico also highlighted that Sabalenka is “very adventurous with her jewelry, with her style in general, but she’s not scared of color and big pieces so we can get really fun and playful with it.” Clearly, they delivered on the “big” and “bold” promise, while keeping it light enough for her to actually play.
The Internet Went Absolutely Scorched Earth
Despite all that thought and effort, the social media critics went after it hard. Like, brutal hard. Folks on X did not hold back, with one person commenting, “How about that, Sabalenka leading the parade of streetwalker chic at the US Open with fishnet over shorts and a sports bra. Why does New York bring out all the trashy-ness.” Another fan flat out said, “This is the biggest piece of trash kit I’ve ever seen in my life.” Someone else chimed in with, “I’m sorry but this just can not be tennis wear… I’m embarrassed for her….and what’s with the heavy inappropriate jewelry? New stylist needed pronto.” And just for good measure, another comment piled on, “It’s horrible. She looks like a trash bag.” Yikes. Talk about a tough crowd.
But here’s the thing: Sabalenka was ready for it. She knew the outfit wasn’t going to be for everyone, and honestly, she didn’t seem to care. Before the match, she was quoted saying, “I love my outfit. If someone doesn’t like it, it’s okay. You cannot impress everyone with your outfits. That’s why I like fashion because there is room for whatever, basically.” You gotta respect that confidence, right? She brought the heat on the court and the fashion, and she owned every single bit of it. Whatever her next fashion move is, you know she’s gonna be bringing that unapologetic energy.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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