Aryna Sabalenka Turns Heads at the Australian Open With a Bold, Unforgettable Look
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is once again making headlines before a ball has even been struck at Melbourne Park — and this time, it’s for her fashion as much as her forehand. Ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, Sabalenka has unveiled a bold new outfit that blends modern edge with unmistakable nostalgia, paying stylish tribute to two of the most iconic figures in women’s tennis: Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.
The Belarusian star revealed the look during the Brisbane International, where she has already started her season in dominant fashion.
Sabalenka shared a video on social media showing off her new NikeCourt Slam dress, part of Nike’s 2026 Melbourne Collection. The dress features a striking asymmetrical color-block design in pink, orange, and black, accented with blue trim. Inspired by surf culture and scuba gear, the look includes a high funnel neckline and a partial front zipper — a silhouette that feels both athletic and fashion-forward.
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Sabalenka shared a video on social media showing off her new NikeCourt Slam dress, part of Nike’s 2026 Melbourne Collection. The dress features a striking asymmetrical color-block design in pink, orange, and black, accented with blue trim. Inspired by surf culture and scuba gear, the look includes a high funnel neckline and a partial front zipper — a silhouette that feels both athletic and fashion-forward.
“I love it, and it fits Australia perfectly,” Sabalenka said, clearly thrilled with the final result. She admitted the design was personal, explaining that she had directly asked Nike to revisit colors that once defined her favorite tennis looks.
“I remember talking to Nike and telling them I want to bring those colors back,” she said. “So they did it, and now it’s my favorite dress.”
The connection didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Almost immediately, comparisons began circulating online, pointing out similarities to Serena Williams’ memorable 2021 Australian Open outfit — the one-legged pantsuit inspired by Olympic sprint legend Florence Griffith Joyner. Sabalenka confirmed the link herself, acknowledging Serena as one of the inspirations behind the summery, powerful aesthetic.
Maria Sharapova’s influence is also woven into the design. The bold color choices and clean, confident lines echo Sharapova’s era of statement-making tennis fashion, when outfits were designed to project authority as much as elegance. For Sabalenka, who thrives on intensity and presence, the homage feels natural rather than forced.
“That light peach dress,” Sabalenka recalled when asked about her all-time favorite tennis look. “That was my favorite one. I would love to bring that back.” Her comments underline how intentional the design process was — not just a branding exercise, but a reflection of her own tennis memories and inspirations.
Aryna Sabalenka Channels Power and Legacy in a Fierce Fashion Tribute to Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova
The timing couldn’t be better. The Australian Open begins on January 18 and runs through February 1, and Sabalenka enters the tournament as the defending champion and the clear favorite. She has reached the final in Melbourne in each of the last three years and lifted the trophy twice, building a special relationship with Australian fans along the way.
Her fashion choices have increasingly become part of that narrative. Sabalenka is no longer just a powerhouse baseliner; she’s a global star whose presence extends beyond the court. Nike’s Melbourne Collection seems designed to reflect that evolution — bold, confident, and unmistakably hers.
What makes this outfit resonate is that it doesn’t feel like imitation. Instead, it bridges generations. Serena Williams redefined what power looked like in tennis, both physically and stylistically. Maria Sharapova brought sharpness and star appeal to every appearance. Sabalenka now stands at the intersection of those legacies, carrying forward their influence while asserting her own identity.
As she continues her Brisbane campaign and prepares for Melbourne, Sabalenka’s message is clear: she’s embracing the moment, honoring the past, and doing it on her own terms — with confidence, color, and championship swagger.
If her early-season form is any indication, the outfit may soon be remembered not just as a fashion moment, but as the look that accompanied another deep Australian Open run. And for Sabalenka, that blend of performance and personality might be the most powerful statement of all.
