World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is heading into the season’s final Grand Slam. Recently, the Belarusian posted an Instagram reel unveiling the Nike kit she will wear at the US Open later this month. The bold design features an orange-red outfit highlighted by a black lace overlay, which immediately drew criticism online. And the reigning US Open champion has hit back, defending the unique style she was given for 2026.
Aryna Sabalenka Brushes Off US Open Outfit Criticism With Confident Message
Speaking to reporters after defeating Zhang Shuai in the Round of 32, 6-3, 6-4, at the Canadian Open, Sabalenka explained that the dress is part of Nike’s year-long thematic approach that draws inspiration from other popular sports. The lacy black overlay on her US Open dress is inspired by America’s passion for basketball, mimicking the net used in the sport.
“I really love this year’s Nike outfit because they all relate to different sports,” Sabalenka noted. “Like, Australia was surf-related. Then, the French Open was ballet. Then Wimbledon was cricket. And then the US Open is basketball.
“So I really feel like I look like a basketball, so it’s very, it’s a fun one,” she explained. “For so long they have been sticking to basic stuff. I’ve been pushing them to create some fun stuff, different stuff, different shapes, and different idea of the dress.” At the Canadian Open, her outfit is inspired by the Toronto Blue Jays jersey.
Sabalenka added that she is excited to partner with them, praising the creativity in the outfits for her. Regarding the divided opinions from fans, the 28-year-old is not bothered.
“I love my outfit. If someone doesn’t like it, it’s okay. Like, you cannot impress everyone with your outfits. That’s why I like fashion because there is room for whatever, basically anything you like,” she said.
Outfit for the US open 2026….. Are we going fishing? 🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/p95f8IpHST
— News Aryna Sabalenka (@Sabanewsss) July 30, 2026
Sabalenka is looking to add another title to her 2026 season after winning the Sunshine Double at Miami, Indian Wells, and Brisbane International. Still, she has fallen short at Grand Slams, losing the Australian Open final to Elena Rybakina before reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open and the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
With a 36-6 win-loss record, she remains at World No. 1, leading No. 2 Rybakina by just over 400 points. At the National Bank Open, the top seed will next face Ekaterina Alexandrova in the Round of 16.
