Aryna Sabalenka is preparing to defend her US Open title while making a statement with her on-court style. During her mixed doubles match with Novak Djokovic, the Belarusian star caught attention in a sheer mesh Nike dress over bright orange athletic wear, her official US Open outfit, paired with a multimillion-dollar custom jewelry collection.
The bold dress drew plenty of criticism from fans, but Sabalenka is unbothered, as she made it clear in her pre-tournament press conference that she loved the outfit.
Aryna Sabalenka Defends Bold Nike US Open Outfit After Fans Question Her New Look
The Belarusian’s unique outfit is inspired by American basketball culture. The dress had white seams and was worn over a bright orange sports bra and matching shorts, continuing Nike’s sport-themed Grand Slam collection.
During her pre-tournament press conference, she was asked what she felt about the outfit. “I love it. This year, it was super special for the Nike team,” Sabalenka said. It was always related to different sports: surfing for the Australian Open, ballet for Roland Garros, cricket for Wimbledon, and now it’s basketball, and we’re in New York. Isn’t it the perfect fit?”
Sabalenka went on to address the criticism she received online for the dress, and she was unfazed. “I love that it’s different. I love that this outfit is bold… It’s funny for me because when Nike was pretty simple and standard, they were complaining. When Nike went really cool and fun and trying to get back, they always complain. So, who cares about people, right? All that matters for me is that I love it.”
Besides the outfit, there was also Sabalenka’s jewelry during her doubles match that caught attention.
Created by luxury jeweler Material Good, the “Silhouette Suite” included a matching necklace, bracelet, and drop earrings featuring 127 carats of sapphires, tourmalines, garnets, and tanzanites. Inspired by New York City’s diverse culture, the custom jewelry marks another step in Sabalenka’s role as the brand’s global ambassador.
“Jewelry is a way that I express myself, both on and off the court, and this partnership felt like a natural next step in my style evolution,” Sabalenka previously said.
Sabalenka and Djokovic’s mixed doubles run ended in the first match, where they lost to Kateřina Siniaková and Henry Patten. She will now turn her attention to the singles draw as she faces Colombia’s Camila Osorio in the first round.
The World No. 1 has struggled to make deep runs in WTA 1000-level tournaments and majors since winning the Sunshine Double in Miami. She has not gone beyond the quarterfinals since then and was knocked out in the Round of 16 at her last three tournaments, including Wimbledon, and is also still searching for her first Grand Slam title of the year.
The main draw begins on August 30.
