"So much better than Carlos Alcaraz's", "Looks like a weather forecast" - Fans amused by Kei Nishikori's Uniqlo outfit for French Open 2024

Kei Nishikori's kit for the 2024 French Open has sparked amusing polarizing views from tennis fans on social media. The Japanese sported his long-term partner Uniqlo's kit as he stepped on Paris' red dirt for the first time since 2021. He became a global brand ambassador for Uniqlo in 2011.

Nishikori kicked off his campaign against Canadian qualifier Gabriel Diallo. He got off to a flying start on his return, winning the two hard-fought opening sets. However, Diallo's resurgence in the third and fourth sets saw the match move to a decider. Nishikori then dug deep and clinched the deciding set to win 7-5, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5 after four hours and 22 minutes.

While many celebrated his emphatic return, others were keen to discuss his UNIQLO outfit. The discussions began when a user on X asked fans for their thoughts on the outfit.

Fans had polarizing views of the kit and came up with amusing reactions to express their views. One of the fans mentioned how the kit was better than Carlos Alcaraz's Nike outfit:

"Love it. So much better than Alcaraz’s"

Another fan hilariously alluded to the design on Nishikori's shirt as a weather forecast-esque pattern.

"Looks like weather forecast," the fan wrote.

Here are some other reactions from fans appreciating Kei Nishikori's outfit.

"On if they actually had a design team:" said a fan.

"Bit psychedelic but I like it, fits him well" a fan opined.

"Firstly, so happy just to see Kei. And secondly, Kei can really sport a bandana, which rounds out the kit so well here, imo." a fan was happy.

Some other fans were okay with the kit overall but pointed out specific issues.

"Looks great.... Fresh, hip, modern (although IMO headband not needed)," a fan opined

"I can’t lie, he had me in the first half. The top is ok, but those shorts have an awkward length….," a fan mentioned

"I like the shirt. Looks good on him. Fitted. Those shorts… Too boxy and wide legged. Should be more fitted and shorter. The green accent on the piping on the short is a plus. And I love the shirt color and fit." another fan opined.

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Kei Nishikori will play either Ben Shelton or Hugo Gaston in the second round of French Open 2024

Kei Nishikori in action at the French Open 2024

Following his first-round win, Kei Nishikori will shift his focus to the second round, where he will meet the winner of the match between Hugo Gaston and 15th seed Ben Shelton. Nishikori, a three-time quarterfinalist at Roland Garros, has never played either of them in his career.

Provided he wins his second-round match, he could take on 21st seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who plays Nishikori's compatriot Yoshihito Nishioki in his opening match. Nishikori has a 2-0 lead over the Canadian but hasn't played against him since 2021.

Owing to his prolonged absence from the top level of the game, the 34-year-old hasn't played most of the newer generation players. Kei Nishikori is in the sixth section of the draw, which is headlined by third seed Carlos Alcaraz.