Aryna Sabalenka tweaks US Open outfit after facing backlash for ‘trashy’ see-through dress
Two-time reigning US Open singles champion Aryna Sabalenka dropped Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 on Monday to begin her 2026 run in Flushing.
But for tennis’ army of fashionistas, the bigger story may have been her decision to double down on Nike’s sheer tennis wear. After facing criticism for wearing a black basketball-inspired ensemble for mixed-doubles competition, Sabalenka donned a similar outfit in Queens on Monday, only this time in bright orange.
As for the reason behind the change, Sabalenka explained that’s because sponsor Nike actually developed day and night versions of the outfit for her to wear during the 2026 US Open.
‘To be honest, I didn’t know that I have a day dress,’ she 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 black and orange for the day.’
Sabalenka, who is the favorite to win in New York, turned heads earlier in the week when she took to the court alongside Novak Djokovic in the mixed doubles competition: The 28-year-old Belarusian wore a black mesh Nike dress for the match, which left her electric orange sports bra and matching briefs completely exposed underneath.
Tennis fans were quick to slam the risque outfit, although Sabalenka did not back down from criticism.
Two-time reigning US Open singles champion Aryna Sabalenka dropped Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 on Monday to begin her 2026 run in Flushing
Sabalenka’s orange outfit was designed by Nike for day competition at the US Open
The black outfit was designed by Nike for Sabalenka to wear during night matches
‘Who cares what people think?’ she told reporters at Flushing Meadows on Friday’s media day. ‘I love it,’ she added.
As she explained, her grand-slam outfits are inspired by the cities where the four tournaments are played.
‘Surfing for the Australian Open, ballet for Roland Garros, cricket for Wimbledon,’ she said. ‘Now it’s basketball and we’re in New York. Isn’t it the perfect fit?’
The outfit certainly set fans’ tongues wagging on social media, with one viewer writing: ‘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?’
‘This Sabalenka clown kit can’t be actually real,’ another posted as a third questioned: ‘What is this outfit on Sabalenka???’
Another asked: ‘What on f***ing Earth is Aryna Sabalenka wearing? The netting and the heavy tacky jewellery. Who put her in that?’
Sabalenka talks with Djokovic during the mixed doubles match in Flushing on August 25
Sabalenka has been to the last three US Open finals, rebounding from a loss to Coco Gauff in 2023 by winning in 2024 and then topping Amanda Anisimova last year to repeat.
‘I feel like this is one of my favorite stadiums,’ Sabalenka told the crowd after Monday’s win. ‘I really experienced the best emotions here in this stadium.’
She must have certainly been happier with the level of tennis she delivered Monday, after a series of poor events coming into the U.S. Open. She was knocked out in the fourth round in both Toronto and Cincinnati, after being ousted at the same point at Wimbledon.
That has left Sabalenka needing help to retain the No. 1 ranking, even if she wins again in New York. No. 2 Elena Rybakina will pass her if she reaches the semifinals, and won’t even need to win any matches if Sabalenka fails to win the title.
