World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka addressed the shift in her on-court attire during the U.S. Open, clarifying that her all-orange kit for the main draw was not an attempt to change her fortune after a mixed doubles loss.
Sabalenka, who won her first-round match against Camila Osorio with a score of 6-2, 6-4, explained that the change from her previous black and orange outfit was due to logistical rather than superstitious reasons. She initially believed she had one dress with black and orange elements but discovered upon arriving at Nike that separate outfits were designated for day and night sessions.
"To be honest, I didn’t know that I have a day dress," Sabalenka said. "I thought I have a black dress with orange underneath. I figured (out) when I went to Nike that I actually have day session and night session, which is just like an orange for the day."
When asked directly about superstition, Sabalenka stated, "No, no, I don’t believe in that stuff." The black mesh top she wore over her orange kit during mixed doubles with Novak Djokovic had drawn attention on social media.
Sabalenka is aiming for her third consecutive U.S. Open title. She is set to play Polina Iatcenko in the second round. Despite her past successes at the tournament, Sabalenka emphasized her focus on the present, stating that she does not dwell on past results, whether positive or negative.
"I think the good thing for me is not looking back no matter what, if it’s good or bad, because I feel a good result can also stop you from performing well because you’re basically focusing on the past, you know," she said. "So I never, like, look back. If I win the tournament or lose the tournament, for me today is a new day and I have to be focused just staying in the moment."