‘Who cares?’: Aryna Sabalenka fires back over controversial US open look

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has brushed off criticism of her bold US Open outfit after the look divided fans online.

The defending champion, 28, took to the court in an orange and black Nike kit earlier this week, featuring a mesh, jersey-style top layered over an orange sports bra and matching shorts.

Sabalenka was asked about the reaction during US Open media day in New York on Friday, local time, and made it clear she has no plans to let the critics ruin her fun.

“I love it,” she told reporters.

The Belarusian star explained that the basketball-themed outfit continues her trend of paying homage to each Grand Slam host country’s signature sport.

“This year it was super special for Nike… it was always related to different sports,” she said. “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?”

Sabalenka first showed off the US Open kit on Instagram on July 31, where the unusual design immediately drew plenty of opinions.

“I love you, but this is hard to defend,” one person commented.

“This is not winning you a slam, Aryna,” another wrote, while a third said: “I’m shocked. Seriously, it’s simply unacceptable for Nike to offer this to the number 1 in the world.”

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Sabalenka, however, is firmly on the other side of the debate.

“I love basically everything about my outfit,” she said. “I love that it’s different. I love that this outfit is bold. Whatever people saying on Internet, I heard they probably didn’t like it… it’s funny for me.”

The reigning US Open women’s singles champion said criticism of her on-court fashion is nothing new, arguing fans have found something to complain about regardless of the designs she wears.

“When Nike was pretty simple and standard, they were complaining. When Nike went really cool and fun and trying to get back, they always complain,” she said.

“So who cares about people, right? All that matters for me is that I love it.”

For Sabalenka, there is another bonus to taking a fashion risk on one of tennis’s biggest stages.

“For me, it’s super fun. Plus it’s really cool for pictures, so.”