"Worst aspect… why are they okay with it?" - Fans react to Aryna Sabalenka, Madison Keys making Australian Open final in "distasteful" Nike kits

Madison Keys (L) and Aryna Sabalenka (R); ( Source - Getty Images)
Madison Keys (L) and Aryna Sabalenka (R); ( Source - Getty Images)

Fans have reacted to Nike's custom-made outfits for the Australian Open final. Finalists Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys will sport the designs during the summit clash on Saturday, January 25.

Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion in Melbourne, is one step away from securing a third consecutive title. Throughout her campaign, she showcased remarkable dominance. The Belarusian donned a custom yellow dress with a neon-yellow overlay at the tournament. The outfit stirred debate among fans following her first-round victory over Sloane Stephens. Meanwhile, Keys sported a green outfit accented with a black top, with the iconic 'Swoosh' prominently displayed at the center.

A page on X named Christian's Court had criticized both outfits from the apparel giant ahead of the tournament. Ironically, both are set to feature in the final at the Rod Laver Arena. The page re-shared the post with a new one, writing:

"Nike really got the last laugh 😭💀"

Several fans, however, criticized the outfits yet again with one calling it a distasteful dress. They wrote:

"FORREAL tho wtf this is the worst aspect of the final that they are both wearing such a distasteful dress … how did this happen and why are they okay with it?? 🤯😒"
"they don’t deserve this promo 😭😭," another said.
"They made the most hideous kits and that’s all we’re going to see in the final 😭," one fan commented.

A fan reacted by referring to Nike as a "mafia".

"nike is mafia," they said.

Here are a few more reactions from the fans:

"A kit we all hated is somehow going to become a Slam-winning kit. No wonder Nike is the No. 1 tennis apparel brand!" A fan opined.
"Like what happened to custom kits for slams. No way these are what the girls are wearing in the final 🥲,"another chimed in.

Madison Keys dodged a question on US Open SF defeat to Aryna Sabalenka ahead of their Australian Open final

Madison Keys at an event- Image Source: Getty
Madison Keys at an event- Image Source: Getty

Madison Keys secured a hard-fought victory over second seed Iga Swiatek in the 2025 Australian Open semifinals. After dropping the first set 5-7, the American staged an impressive comeback, dominating in the second set 6-1 before clinching the third set 7-6 (8) in a thrilling tiebreaker.

During her post-match press conference, Keys was reminded of her 2023 US Open semifinal loss to Aryna Sabalenka ahead of their upcoming showdown on Saturday. The 29-year-old smiled and gave an unexpected response.

"Thank you," she said

Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 4-1, which could give her a psychological edge heading into the final. Their most recent encounter took place in the fourth round of the WTA 1000 event in Beijing last year, with Sabalenka triumphing in straight sets.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar
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