Tennis player Aryna Sabalenka faced backlash for her choice of attire at the US Open, with critics labeling her black mesh dress as inappropriate. The criticism escalated after Sabalenka and her mixed doubles partner, Novak Djokovic, lost a match to Kateřina Siniaková and Henry Patten on August 25, 2026.
Online commentators attacked the dress, with one writing, "How about that - Sabalenka leading the parade of streetwalker chic at the US Open with fishnet over shorts and a sports bra." Another critic called the outfit a "clown kit."
Sabalenka, however, expressed her approval of the outfit. "I love my outfit. If someone doesn't like it, it's okay. You cannot impress everyone with your outfits," she said earlier in August. "That's why I like fashion because there is room for whatever, basically."
The tennis star was aware of potential criticism when she debuted new Nike designs a few weeks prior to the tournament. The controversial outfit consisted of a mesh dress worn over shorts and a sports bra.
Despite the negative comments, Sabalenka maintained her stance, indicating that an outfit does not determine match performance or define her style.
