World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has defended her choice of attire at the US Open, responding to online criticism that labeled her outfit as "trashy." The Belarusian player stated her affection for the ensemble, which featured a black mesh Nike dress revealing an electric orange sports bra and matching briefs underneath.
Sabalenka wore the outfit earlier in the week during a mixed doubles match alongside Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows. The ensemble quickly drew attention and sparked a debate on social media platforms.
"Who cares what people think?" Sabalenka told reporters on Friday's media day. "I love it." She described the outfit as "different" and "bold," adding that she finds the negative reactions from the internet "funny."
Sabalenka suggested that Nike's attempts to create more distinctive and fashionable sportswear have been met with consistent complaints. "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 noted. "So who cares about people, right? All that matters for me is that I love it. For me, it's super fun. Plus it's really cool for pictures."
Social media users expressed a range of opinions. One commenter wrote, "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 posted, "This Sabalenka clown kit can't be actually real," while a third questioned, "What is this outfit on Sabalenka???"
However, some fans offered more positive interpretations. "Sabalenka is such a diva, in the best way lol," one user shared. "Those earrings and necklace lol. It's kinda ugly but I still love it considering how over the top it is for tennis #USOpen."
In the mixed doubles match, Sabalenka and Djokovic were defeated by Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova with a score of 1-4, 4-2, 10-2 in the first round. Siniakova, ranked No. 1 in women's doubles, served the match-ending ace against Djokovic.
Sabalenka and Djokovic are set to focus on their individual singles competitions, which are scheduled to begin on Sunday.
