Sawt Falasteen - Sabalenka Defends Basketball-Inspired Nike Kit at US Open

Aryna Sabalenka has defended the orange-and-black Nike outfit she wore at the US Open after its unconventional design prompted criticism online. The WTA world No. 1 said at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Friday that she liked the kit and did not intend to let public reaction determine what she wore.

The 28-year-old Belarusian played in a sheer, jersey-style top over a bright orange sports bra, with matching shorts, during Tuesday’s mixed-doubles match alongside Novak Djokovic. Sabalenka explained that the basketball theme was part of Nike’s approach of connecting each Grand Slam collection with a sport associated with the host country or city.

She said the Australian Open collection drew on surfing, Roland Garros used ballet, and Wimbledon referenced cricket. For the New York tournament, Nike selected basketball. Sabalenka described that connection as an appropriate fit and said the unusual design was one of the main reasons she enjoyed wearing it.

Sabalenka first displayed the kit on Instagram on July 30. She later wore it at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a mixed-doubles loss to Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten. Images from the match circulated widely, producing sharply different reactions from supporters and critics.

Some commenters said the design was unsuitable for the top-ranked player or argued that Nike should have offered her a stronger look. Others defended the outfit as distinctive and praised its visual impact. Sabalenka said the criticism amused her, noting that the company had also been faulted when its tennis clothing was simpler and more conventional.

The defending US Open champion said her own view of the clothing was what mattered. She called it fun, bold and effective in photographs, and summarized her response by asking why she should care what other people thought. Her comments continued a pattern of dismissing online backlash, including criticism that followed her post-match dancing at the French Open.

Attention now returns to competition as Sabalenka begins her singles title defense on Sunday against Colombia’s Camila Osorio. The match gives the world No. 1 an opportunity to move the discussion from her clothing back to her attempt to retain the US Open championship.

Z.Ramadan--SF-PST