"Same one as Aryna Sabalenka, so lazy";"Nike really spent all their energy on Naomi Osaka" - Fans disappointed by Carlos Alcaraz's US Open 2024 outfit
Carlos Alcaraz's outfit for the 2024 US Open, designed by Nike, has thoroughly disappointed tennis fans. Many of them couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance to Aryna Sabalenka's kit and lambastedd the sportswear giant for the seeming lack of creativity for two of their biggest stars.
Alcaraz has made a strong start in his quest to clinch his third Grand Slam title of the season at the New York Major, taking on Li Tu in his opening match. Despite an uncharacteristically error-prone display in the second set, the World No. 3 claimed a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over Tu to record his 60th win at a Grand Slam event.
For the evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Spaniard donned an all-black outfit, with the only pop of color being the pink Nike logos on his sleeveless shirt and shorts.
Fans were unimpressed with Carlos Alcaraz's outfit, pointing out that it was identical to Aryna Sabalenka's all-black kit and lamenting the "lazy" design for two of the top stars in the sport.
One fan even suggested that Nike had focused all the creative effort into Naomi Osaka's 'Lolita Goth' look, which has gone viral on social media.
"So the same one as Sabalenka. Not mad about the total black but this is so lazy it hurts ðŸ˜," one fan commented.
"The top is just the top part of Aryna’s "custom made" black dress. So nothing custom then nike 🙄," another fan chimed in.
"They really spent all of their energy on Osaka. I'm not saying it was wrong, but they should give a little effort to 3 of the top 2 men/women," said another.
Fans continued to criticize the "basic" outfit, questioning why Nike didn't invest more effort into designing kits for the four-time Grand Slam champion.
"Blackout isn't terrible, but Nike can't do better for their 4x grand slam champion?" one fan posted.
"Its not great. its basic!" another fan wrote.
"Nike needs to do better with Carlos… he’s way too big a star for these fits," a fan remarked.
"Not so great. Carlos is looking more like a gym bro than a tennis pro in that outfit," said yet another.
"I obviously like playing with that" - Carlos Alcaraz on his "singlet" outfit for US Open
Nick Kyrgios conducted Carlos Alcaraz's on-court interview after his first-round win, complimenting the Spaniard on how "sensational" his arms looked in his sleeveless Nike outfit.
Alcaraz hilariously admitted that he often chooses "singlet" kits to induce fear in his opponents, but disclosed that his decision to go sleeveless at the US Open was influenced by the need to combat the heat in New York.
"In some tournaments – specific tournaments, I want to play with singlet probably just to make fear to the opponents, or I try," Carlos Alcaraz said smiling. "But here in New York it’s so hot; so humid, you try not to sweat a lot. I’m glad you like it. Yeah, I obviously like playing with that."
Following his win over Li Tu, Carlos Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. If the Spaniard emerges victorious, he will battle it out against Jack Draper or Facundo Diaz Acosta for a place in the fourth round.