Gucci has bagged both World No. 1s in tennis. Amid the Italian fashion house’s longstanding collaboration with Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka joined forces with the brand in January. At this month’s Italian Open, Sinner walked out with a new Gucci duffle bag, while Sabalenka made her on-court Gucci debut carrying the new GG canvas paparazzo top handle bag.
Now, a few days after the conclusion of the tournament, it appears that the WTA is reviewing Sabalenka’s bag for a potential breach of rules.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Gucci Entry Under Review
At the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, Jannik Sinner became the first-ever tennis player to carry a luxury handbag to court. His walkout with a custom Gucci duffle bag was a defining moment in tennis fashion history, grabbing eyeballs around the globe, especially considering Wimbledon’s strict attire and etiquette rules. At the time, Gucci clarified that a special permission was obtained for their Global Brand Ambassador’s grand entry.
“We worked with Sinner’s team for the approvals from the ITF (International Tennis Federation), ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals), and Grand Slams, including Wimbledon, to ensure the bag met the necessary requirements.”
Ever since, the Italian has regularly carried the bag to his tournaments, including a variation featuring Gucci’s collaboration with his racket sponsor, Head. At the Italian Open, while Sinner debuted a new black version with his initials, Sabalenka triggered a fresh buzz with her fashionable debut. The statement entrance was well received by fans and fashion lovers alike, but the WTA may not be entirely convinced by the accessory’s inclusion as an equipment bag.
According to Sportico, a spokeswoman from Evolve, the agency that represents Sabalenka, confirmed that the World No. 1 had obtained “written approval” from the WTA ahead of her walkout. While there is no direct explanation for the WTA’s reported change of heart, a WTA spokesperson told Sportico:
“Players are permitted to carry tennis equipment bags featuring standard manufacturer identifications and limited commercial branding. The rules do not permit branded manufactured bags that are not considered tennis equipment.”
Interestingly, the ATP hasn’t raised questions over Sinner’s entry, which would mean that his accessory’s specifications abide by the rules provided in the ATP rulebook. The World No. 1 uses his Gucci bag to carry sports gear and energy drinks alongside his Head tennis kit bag.
Sabalenka carried hers alongside her Wilson tennis kit bag. While the contents of her bag aren’t known, the Belarusian star made some fun revelations during her interview with Vogue Italia. It remains to be seen whether she carries the GG canvas paparazzo top handle bag during her French Open campaign.
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