Aryna Sabalenka Defends Her Divisive Nike US Open Kit After ‘Complaining’ Fans ‘Didn’t Like It’

Skyler Caruso, Brendan LeSat, August 29, 2026 at 1:17 AM UTC

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Aryna Sabalenka during a mixed doubles match during Fan Week as part of the 2026 US Open.Credit: Mike Lawrence/USTA via Getty -

Aryna Sabalenka embraces her bold orange and black Nike kit despite mixed reactions from fans online

The tennis star says Nike’s designs this year reflect different sports, with her US Open kit inspired by basketball

“I love it,” Sabalenka said while speaking with press, including PEOPLE, ahead of the tournament on Friday, Aug. 28

Aryna Sabalenka is proud of her fashion-forward choices despite what others think.

The Belarusian tennis player, 28, defended her divisive US Open Nike kit that’s received mixed reviews from fans on social media when speaking with press, including PEOPLE, ahead of the tournament on Friday, Aug. 28.

“I love it,” Sabalenka said of the orange and black mesh kit after being asked by a reporter about the look at a press conference during US Open Media Day held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Aryna Sabalenka in action with partner Novak Djokovic of Serbia against Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic and Henry Patten of Great Britain during the first round of the Mixed Doubles competition of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 25, 2026.Credit: Robert Prange/Getty

The reporter asked what she liked about the kit’s fusion of two sports: tennis and, thanks to its mesh construction and jersey-like appearance, basketball. Sabalenka layers the piece over an orange sports bra and matching shorts, debuting it on her Instagram on July 30.

“This year it was super special for Nike... it was always related to different sports,” she says of her kits. “Surfing for Australian Open, ballet for Roland Garros, cricket for Wimbledon. Now it’s basketball and we’re in New York. Isn’t it the perfect fit?”

“I love basically everything about my outfit,” the current world No. 1 continued. “I love that it’s different. I love that this outfit is bold. Whatever people saying on Internet, I heard they probably didn’t like it... it’s funny for me.”

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Aryna Sabalenka.Credit: Robert Prange/Getty

Of the outfit, one user on her Instagram wrote: “I love you but this is hard to defend.” Another penned, “This is not winning you a slam Aryna,” while a third commented, “I’m shocked. Seriously, it’s simply unacceptable for Nike to offer this to the number 1 in the world. I’m even sad, I swear.”

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Sabalenka, who is the defending US Open women’s singles champion, suggested that she has learned there is little point in trying to please her critics, who, she says, will find fault with her outfits either way.

“When Nike was pretty simple and standard, they were complaining. When Nike went really cool and fun and trying to get back, they always complain,” she says. “So who cares about people, right? All that matters for me is that I love it.”

She concludes, “For me, it’s super fun. Plus it’s really cool for pictures, so.”

Aryna Sabalenka in action during practice during Fan Week as part of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026.Credit: Pete Staples/USTA via Getty

Sabalenka isn’t the only tennis star turning heads sartorially this season. Naomi Osaka, who’s been known to make fashion statements both on and off the court, has been documenting her looks since touching down in New York City.

She debuted a strapless miniskirt-top combo made from fluttering orange fabric on Aug. 25, dripped in a brown minidress number with elaborate draping and butterfly heels on Aug. 26 stunned in a neon aqua-colored dress paired with coordinating furry mules on Aug. 27.

Osaka’s mother, Tamaki Osaka, most recently made clear that her daughter isn’t the only fashionista in the family! The tennis mom was photographed in a fierce red outfit while watching Naomi practice ahead of the US Open on Aug. 27.

Sitting poised with her legs crossed and her hands folded in her lap, Tamaki analyzed Naomi’s performance in a fierce red minidress with a bold red lip to match. She wore long black gloves, red dangling earrings, oversize sunglasses and Air Max Plus “Swarovski - Sunset” sneakers.

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Source: “AOL Sports”