Aryna Sabalenka defends bold US Open outfit after wearing mesh, see-through dress

ARYNA Sabalenka has snapped back at critics after she wore a mesh, see-through outfit at the US Open. The 28-year-old world number one sparked controversy as she donned an orange and black mesh dress for her mixed doubles match with Novak Djokovic, 39, on Tuesday. Aryna Sabalenka competes in the first round of the 2026 US Open against Camila Osorio Credit: Splash Sabalenka reacts against Osorio during the first round of the 2026 US Open Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Sabalenka’s orange sports bra and shorts could be clearly seen through her Nike jersey-style dress. Her bold look for the match was complete with the Belarusian also wearing a jewellery set from New York City’s Material Good totalling 127 carats. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! This eye-catching outfit drew significant criticism from fans who have argued that it is not appropriate for the world’s leading star to wear on the court. But Sabalenka has explained during her press conference on Friday that she has ignored her many critics. Sabalenka said: “Who cares what people think? I love it.” The two-time US Open winner went on to note that her outfits for each of the Grand Slam events have been tailored to the host city. She added: “This year it was super special for Nike. It was always related to different sports. “Surfing for the Australian Open, ballet for Roland Garros, cricket for Wimbledon. Now it’s basketball and we’re in New York. Isn’t it the perfect fit?” Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Sabalenka reacts as she plays against Osorio during the 2026 US Open Credit: EPA Her latest look comes after Sabalenka wore a similarly transparent dress for the French Open in May. Again, this design was completed with a staggering £76,000 worth of jewellery. This basketball inspiration has been nicely timed as the New York Knicks won their first NBA title in 53 years in June. Sabalenka and Djokovic went on to suffer a 1-4, 4-2, 10-2 loss to Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova, both 30, in the mixed doubles tournament’s round of 16. However, she returned with an all-orange variation of her bespoke Nike outfit to defeat Camila Osorio, 24, in the first round of the women’s singles tournament. In fact, the reigning US Open champion has noted that it is the uniqueness of her outfit that she likes the most. Sabalenka is looking to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams lifted her sixth title at Arthur Ashe Stadium in 2014. Russian Polina Iatcenko, 22, will be Sabalenka’s second-round opponent on Wednesday, September 2. Comment now