Apart from being the WTA World No. 1 right now, Aryna Sabalenka is also known for her fashion statements. The Belarusian recently revealed her outfit for the 2026 Australian Open during her matches in Brisbane. However, what was more interesting was the inspiration behind the design.
Aryna Sabalenka Draws Inspiration From Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams for Her Australian Open 2026 Outfit
Sabalenka recently shared a short Instagram video showing her new Nike dress. In the clip, she is seen flaunting the outfit, and the bright and vibrant color combination gives coastal vibes, which fit perfectly with Australia’s January heat.
The Belarusian star is currently competing at the Brisbane International. After her win over Sorana Cîrstea, she was asked about her favorite part of the Australian Open kit and whether there was any classic tennis look she would like to see return.
Sabalenka replied, “There was one. I don’t remember if it was Serena’s collection. I think it was Serena’s collection… or Maria’s… It was like a light peach dress. That was my favorite one. I would love to bring them back.”
“I remember talking to Nike and telling them, ‘I want to bring those colors back. Please let’s just do something for me in those colors. I love it, and it fits Australia perfectly,’ and they did it. Now it’s my favorite dress,” she added.
She’s correct. It’s a combination of Serena’s 2021 AO dress and Sharapova’s 2016 AO dress pic.twitter.com/Yg8UVEBEaD
— FUFUFAFA HATER (@supershakti) January 8, 2026
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The dress that Sabalenka revealed is a part of Nike’s wider tournament collection rather than a one-off custom piece. The design features bold color blocks and shows early-2000s influence.
The “light peach dress” that Sabalenka talked about is most probably what Maria Sharapova wore during the 2013 US Open. Moreover, the color combination and pattern also look very similar to what Serena Williams wore at the 2021 Australian Open, when she competed in an asymmetrical unitard that paid tribute to track icon Florence Griffith Joyner.
Sabalenka and Fans Haven’t Been Happy With Nike in the Recent Past
Although Sabalenka’s Australian Open 2026 outfit has gotten mostly positive reactions, Nike has faced criticism over a separate fashion issue. It happened during the 2025 French Open, when Romanian player Jaqueline Cristian appeared in an outfit that looked almost identical to the custom dress Sabalenka wore during her Roland Garros run.
Once fans spotted the similarity, they started complaining and accusing Nike of reusing what they believed was meant to be a player-specific design for Sabalenka.
Sabalenka herself has also shown her disappointment with Nike lately. During the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, although she was happy with the “cool dress” she wore at the event, the Belarusian openly admitted to her dissatisfaction with her 2026 outfit.
During a press conference, she admitted, “Unfortunately, next season it just… it’s not going to be that special for me.”
When the reporter asked, “Why?” Sabalenka replied jokingly, “Exactly! Maybe we should just start messaging Nike on Instagram and like putting some pressure on, but let’s wait for 2027 because that year is going to be sick.”
It seems like, for now, she may have mixed feelings about her overall 2026 Australian Open kit.
