"This is such a downgrade for Aryna Sabalenka"; "Nike you will pay" - Tennis fans debate as World No. 1 debuts Australian Open outfit

Tennis fans are not sold on Aryna Sabalenka’s outfit for the 2025 Australian Open. The World No. 1 debuted her Nike kit as she walked out on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, January 12.

Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion in Melbourne, faced a fellow Grand Slam winner in Sloane Stephens during the night session on Day 1. While fans were eager to get the first glimpse of the World No. 1’s anticipated outfit, many of them were left disappointed by what they indicated to be a rather unappealing yellow dress.

Aryna Sabalenka wore a custom yellow/cream-colored dress with a lime yellow overlay, pairing it with peach-laced Nike shoes. Many athletes sponsored by the American sportswear brand sported similar silhouettes, albeit not in yellow.

This is not the first time that Nike has given the three-time Grand Slam champion a custom color. Sabalenka first sported a custom kit at the 2023 US Open, where she reached the final. Ever since, she has opted for a color different from her rivals'.

At the 2024 Australian Open, the World No. 1 earned the approval of tennis fans when she was spotted in a striking red dress with neon details. One fan thus claimed that the 2025 outfit was a “downgrade” from the previous year’s.

"this kit is such a downgrade for aryna…." the fan said.

Another fan gave Aryna Sabalenka’s opponent Sloane Stephens the nod but was unconvinced by the defending champion’s look.

"Sloanes outfit is gorgeous - Aryna Sabalenka wearing that ugly yellow Nike one ffs," the fan said.

"This must be aryna's worst kit ever," another fan opined.

"aryna wearing #that kit.. oh good lord nike you will pay," one fan said.

"Why nike hates her. Its horrible and even she cant pull it. Even she cant look good in it.." one individual chimed in.

A few fans approved of the yellow-colored dress.

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Aryna Sabalenka beats Sloane Stephens in straight sets to kick off Australian Open 2025 campaign

Sabalenka (L) pictured with Sloane Stephens at Australian Open 2025 - Image Source: Getty

Aryna Sabalenka staged a promising start against Sloane Stephens, rushing to a 4-0 lead with a two-break advantage. The player, however, suffered an unexpected drop in her level in the next three games and ultimately squandered her lead (4-3).

Despite Stephens’ inspired comeback, she was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Sabalenka struck back to steal the set 6-3. She breezed through the second set to get the job done in one hour and 12 minutes, with the score reading 6-3, 6-2.

The World No. 1 faces Spain’s Jessica Buzas Maneiro in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, January 15.