"Nike outfits are horrible compared to prime Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal days" - Fans unimpressed by Carlos Alcaraz's 'disastrous' Cincinnati Open kit

Carlos Alcaraz's outfit at the 2024 Cincinnati Open has failed to impress tennis fans, with many of them expressing their disappointment in his apparel sponsor Nike. Fans bemoaned the perceived decline in the brand's designs, nostalgically recalling the standout looks they used to draw up for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Making his first appearance since his silver medal finish at the Paris Olympics, Alcaraz is aiming to go one step further at the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati after his narrow loss to Novak Djokovic in last year's final. Following a first-round bye, the second seed took on Gael Monfils in his opening match on Thursday, August 15.

Although the Spaniard clinched the opening set 6-4, he was trailing 1-3 in the second set tiebreak when the match was disrupted by rain. The riveting encounter will resume on Friday.

With the match still incomplete, attention shifted to Carlos Alcaraz's outfit for his campaign in Cincinnati. The 21-year-old sported a brick red Nike kit, accented with maroon on the sleeves and matching shorts. Rounding out his look, the Spaniard donned black sneakers adorned with the iconic swoosh logo in white.

Tennis fans, however, were unimpressed with the "disastrous" color scheme and "boring" design choices for Carlos Alcaraz's outfit.

"Disastrous colour choice 😭😭😭😭," one fan wrote.

"Boring per usual nike does nothing special for their tennis athletes besides naomi tbh," said another.

Many fans felt that Nike's recent designs were "horrible" compared to their "fun" and "incredible" kits for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"Nike outfits these days are horrible compared to prime Fed/Nadal days," one fan commented.

"There were a time they were on fire in 2008-2012. This outfit on Rodger was incredible good," another fan chimed in.

"Nike was so much more fun 10-15 years ago," said another.

Fans were particularly disappointed by the Spaniard's sneakers, bemoaning that they didn't match the same aesthetic as his outfit.

"Socks and sneakers don’t match this fit! Why are they doing him like this," a fan wrote.

"I don't hate it, but would've preferred the shoes to be red as well. The shoe color dulls the whole thing down!" said another.

Others, meanwhile, suggested that Alcaraz's outfit was reminiscent of Novak Djokovic's French Open kit.

"Looks familiar. Novak's FO colors.... the shoes ruin Carlos'," one fan posted.

"Imitation is the best form of flattery…but collars are better," another fan suggested.

"I'm really happy to be back at Cincinnati Open" - Carlos Alcaraz reflects on 'great memories' from 2023 final against Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 Cincinnati Open final (Source: Getty)

Speaking to the ATP ahead of his campaign at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, Carlos Alcaraz expressed excitement about his return to the Masters 1000 event. The 21-year-old reflected on his "great memories" from his runner-up finish last year, recalling his narrow 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) loss to Novak Djokovic's in the "epic" final.

"I’m excited to to play here again. I'm really happy to be back [at the Cincinnati Open]. Obviously great memories from last year, reaching the final, losing a really tight and epic match. This is a tournament that I love playing and yeah, excited to start the tournament," Carlos Alcaraz said.

The World No. 3 also emphasized his focus on producing a strong run in Cincinnati in order to close his 450-point gap to Jannik Sinner in the Race to the ATP Finals.

If Carlos Alcaraz triumphs over Gael Monfils, he will square off against Holger Rune in a blockbuster third-round clash.