As Aryna Sabalenka gears up to defend her title at the 2025 US Open, the world’s No. 1 women’s tennis player has been thrust into the spotlight — but this time, not just for her remarkable on-court achievements. The highly anticipated reveal of her US Open kit, designed by Nike, has left a lot of fans questioning whether the brand truly values the Belarusian champion.
The kit, which includes two distinct looks, was unveiled earlier this week. One design features a sleek black dress with a stylish side cut near the waist, paired with bold orange shoes and black socks. This look is likely intended for her evening matches, where the lights and intense energy of night sessions provide the perfect backdrop for the striking outfit. The second design is a more minimalist white dress with black borders, intended for daytime play in New York’s sweltering heat.
While the designs are undoubtedly sleek, fans have not been shy in expressing their disappointment. Despite Sabalenka’s position as the world’s top-ranked player and the reigning US Open champion, many feel she has been given a kit that fails to reflect her status in the sport. Instead of a custom-designed outfit that celebrates her position as one of the sport’s biggest stars, the two looks presented to Sabalenka seem to fall short, with some labeling them “generic” and “uninspired.”
The discontent among fans is loud and clear. On social media, supporters of Sabalenka voiced their frustration, pointing out the lack of personal touch and special attention given to her. One fan remarked, “She’s the defending US Open champion, Nike should be doing more for her.” Another comment echoed this sentiment: “It’s like Nike doesn’t care about her at all. She deserves a custom-made outfit that reflects her dominance in the sport.”
It’s hard to ignore the stark contrast between the outfits unveiled for Sabalenka and those created for other top athletes. Over the years, Nike has made custom designs for players like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, with outfits that reflect their personalities, playing styles, and achievements. Yet, Sabalenka, who has been a consistent force on the WTA tour and is one of the most marketable names in tennis, is left with what some critics view as a run-of-the-mill, off-the-rack ensemble.
Fans have long pointed out that Sabalenka, despite her undeniable success and popularity, seems to receive less attention from Nike in terms of design and recognition. This criticism is especially prominent when compared to the lavish outfits that other players often receive. Whether it’s a limited-edition design or a personalized kit reflecting a player’s character and achievements, the expectation for Sabalenka’s wardrobe has always been high — especially after her stellar 2023 and 2024 seasons.
However, while fans have voiced their displeasure, it’s important to note that Sabalenka’s performance on the court remains her defining factor. She has proven time and again that her talent, determination, and competitive spirit cannot be overshadowed by the outfits she wears. In fact, despite the wardrobe controversy, she remains one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis.
As the 2025 US Open looms closer, Sabalenka’s kit might be a topic of conversation for fans off the court, but on the court, it’s her powerful groundstrokes and relentless drive that will truly capture attention. Still, many hope that Nike will take notice of the ongoing backlash and consider giving the Belarusian star the respect she deserves through a design that truly celebrates her status in the sport.
In the end, this ongoing kit controversy highlights the broader conversation about athlete representation and how brands treat their top-tier stars, especially in a sport like tennis, where style and performance are so closely intertwined.