Sabalenka defends bold US Open outfit amid fan backlash

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defended her orange-and-black Nike outfit worn during her US Open mixed doubles match, dismissing online criticism, according to the New York Post.

Sabalenka called the basketball-inspired kit, part of Nike’s sport-themed tribute to each Grand Slam host country, “bold” and said she loves it regardless of critics.

The defending champion noted she faces criticism no matter her outfit choices. She begins her US Open title defense Sunday against Colombia’s Camila Osorio.