Aryna Sabalenka fired back at backlash over her controversial outfit at the US Open, saying, “Who cares what people think?”
Sabalenka, the WTA world No. 1, sported an orange-and-black Nike kit with a sheer jersey-style top over a bright orange sports bra and matching shorts Tuesday for her mixed doubles match with Novak Djokovic.
“I love it,” Sabalenka said of the outfit when speaking to reporters Friday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY.
The defending US Open champion, 28, explained the basketball-inspired outfit is Nike’s way of paying tribute to the Big Apple tournament, with each Grand Slam look inspired by its host country’s signature sport.
“This year it was super special for Nike … it was always related to different sports,” she said.
“Surfing for the Australian Open, ballet for Roland Garros, cricket for Wimbledon. Now it’s basketball and we’re in New York. Isn’t it the perfect fit?”
Sabalenka insisted she likes the outfit precisely because it is different.
“I love basically everything about my outfit,” she said. “I love that it’s different. I love that this outfit is bold. Whatever people saying on internet, I heard they probably didn’t like it … it’s funny for me.”
The Belarusian, who also faced backlash over her post-match dancing at the French Open, also said criticism comes regardless of what she wears.
“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,” she added.
“So who cares about people, right? All that matters for me is that I love it. For me, it’s super fun. Plus it’s really cool for pictures.”
Sabalenka first showed off the US Open kit on Instagram on July 30, before wearing it on court in the losing effort against Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
The look quickly divided fans, with some questioning whether it was appropriate for the top-ranked player.
“This is not winning you a slam, Aryna,” one person commented under the tennis star’s post.
“That is a terrible design. She deserves better,” another wrote.
“I’m shocked. Seriously, it’s simply unacceptable for Nike to offer this to the number 1 in the world,” a third fan said.
But some fans came to the outfit’s defense.
“The haters can hate and be jealous, but this outfit is on fire. Absolutely. I love it,” one person wrote.
“This dress IS the look,” another said.
Sabalenka begins her US Open title defense Sunday against Colombia’s Camila Osorio.
