Aryna Sabalenka eviscerated by fans over ‘trashy’ see-through dress at US Open… as world No 1 and Novak Djokovic suffer shock defeat in mixed doubles first round
Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka raised eyebrows as she debuted her look for this year’s US Open on Tuesday.
The women’s world No 1 took to the court alongside Novak Djokovic at Arthur Ashe as the power pairing competed in the mixed doubles event ahead of the Grand Slam’s main draw beginning on Sunday.
The pair, both titans of the sport, had been expected to dominate the star-studded 16-team field competing for a $1 million prize.
However, they suffered a shock defeat in their opening match against Britain’s Henry Patten and his Czech partner Katerina Siniakova.
Yet, it was Sabalenka’s outfit that set tongues wagging as she stepped onto the court in an eye-catching dress by Nike.
Sabalenka, who is sponsored by the sportswear giant, sported a black mesh dress, which left the electric orange sports bra and matching briefs completely exposed.
Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka raised eyebrows as she debuted her look for this year’s US Open
The women’s world No 1 took to the court alongside Novak Djokovic in the mixed doubles event
Tennis fans were quick to slam the risque outfit, with many branding it trashy on social media.
‘How about that – Sabalenka leading the parade of streetwalker chic at the US Open with fishnet over shorts and a sports bra,’ one social media user wrote on X. ‘Why does New York bring out all the trashy-ness ?’
‘This sabalenka clown kit can’t be actually real,’ another posted as a third questioned: ‘What is this outfit on Sabalenka???’
Another asked: ‘What in f***ing Earth is Aryna Sabalenka wearing? The netting and the heavy tacky jewellery. Who put her in that?’
‘Sabalenka is such a diva, in the best way lol,’ a more positive fan 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.’
‘Nike really saw Sabalenka is going to lose #1 and punished her with this kit,’ claimed another.
‘Sabalenka dress looks awful. Just god awful,’ criticized one fan, while another added: ‘Sabalenka has lost her mind what the f*** is she wearing?’
The four-time Grand Slam champion dismissed criticism over her look earlier this month after she unveiled it on social media.
They suffered a defeat in their opening match against Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova
The world No 1 accessorized with dazzling jewelry as her outfit set tongues wagging
She said: ‘I really think, honestly, that recently they’ve been more creative and more fun, and we’re definitely on to something really fun, especially for the next year.
‘So I’m excited to partner with them to, you know, come up with some fun, fresh new designs, and I love my outfit. If someone doesn’t like it, it’s okay, you know, like you cannot impress everyone with your outfits, and that’s why I like fashion.’
Sabalenka and Djokovic were humbled by Patten and Siniakova, who rallied after losing the first set to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-2 in the first round of the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows.
Siniakova, ranked No. 1 in women’s doubles, ended the match with an ace while serving to Djokovic.
‘Kat acing Novak on match point was pretty fun,’ Patten said after the match, before a quick turnaround to play their quarterfinal match against the married pair of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.
Sabalenka and Djokovic will now turn their attention to their individual games with both stars competing in the singles events, which begin on Sunday.
