“I didn’t know that I had a day dress”: Aryna Sabalenka gets hilariously honest about her US Open outfit

Tuesday, 01 September 2026 at 04:30

Aryna Sabalenka thanks crowd after her match at Roland Garros 2026

Aryna Sabalenka opened her US Open title defense with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Camila Osorio, but her first press conference in New York produced a more unexpected storyline. Asked how she handles the endless sponsor commitments surrounding a Grand Slam, the world No. 1 offered an answer that sounded very different from the usual complaints about life away from the court.

Sabalenka also arrived in New York with significant pressure on court. She has not reached a final since winning Indian Wells and Miami in March, while Elena Rybakina has emerged as a threat to her No. 1 ranking. A third consecutive US Open title would therefore come with considerable significance.

Against Osorio, Sabalenka looked comfortable for most of the match. The Belarusian broke early, moved 4-1 ahead and took the opening set 6-2, with Osorio committing five double faults. The Colombian improved in the second set, but Sabalenka closed with three consecutive games.

The result sends her into the second round against qualifier Polina Iatcenko. Yet it was the lighter side of Sabalenka's first post-match press conference that provided some of the most revealing moments, from her relationship with sponsors to her unexpected discovery about her US Open outfits.

Sabalenka calls her sponsor commitments a “hobby”

The question was straightforward: how does Sabalenka prevent the demands around a Grand Slam from draining the energy she needs for tennis? Her response immediately challenged the premise, with the world No. 1 insisting that the people and brands around her are deliberately chosen rather than another obligation she has to endure.

“It's like my hobby outside of tennis, the whole schedule we plan is all around tennis, so all of those events is not drawing me in any way, and all people that I work, all brands that I work with, I choose them very carefully," Sabalenka said at press conference. "I have to be really comfortable around those people, just so in that case, I'm not drawing my energy when I'm surrounded by them.”

Aryna Sabalenka smilling at press conference from Toronto.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during a press conference ahead of her next match on Tuesday 4th for the Women’s Singles round of 64 match the WTA Masters 1000 National Bank Open

The distinction is important for a player whose profile has expanded significantly beyond the court. In New York, she says those commitments can actually leave her with more energy rather than less.

“So I'm really enjoying my time with my brands, with people who works there, and I have fun, it's like my hobby outside of my tennis schedule, and it's actually gives me so much energy.”

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That same relationship has extended to the US Open crowd. Sabalenka has spent years building a connection with New York fans, and she does not appear particularly concerned about whether every spectator arrives in her corner.

“I hope they're gonna come and support me, if not, it's only gonna give me energy to fight against them and to get the win, but I feel like most of the time, I got them on my side, which I'm super grateful.”

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The world No. 1 had another surprise about her outfit

Sabalenka's opening victory was followed by an entirely different question when a reporter noticed that she had arrived in orange rather than the black outfit she had worn previously.

“To be honest, I didn't know that I have a day dress," the 4-time Grand Slam champion said. "I thought I have a black dress with the orange underneath, and I figured when I went to Nike they actually have day session and night session, which is just black and orange for the day.”

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The exchange came as Sabalenka continues a US Open campaign where the stakes are considerably higher than her wardrobe. She is attempting to defend her title while protecting the No. 1 ranking, with Rybakina among those capable of overtaking her depending on the results in New York.

Her approach to that pressure is similarly stripped back. Sabalenka was asked whether she draws confidence from her best results or looks at the recent period without a final.

“I think the good thing for me is not looking back no matter what, if it's good or bad, because I feel like good results can also stop you from performing well because you're basically focusing on the past, so I never look back," she added. "For me, today's a new day, and I have to be focused, just staying in the moment.”

For now, that “new day” means Iatcenko. The qualifier will be Sabalenka's second-round opponent after the Belarusian made the clean start she needed against Osorio. The title defense, the No. 1 ranking and the pursuit of a rare three-peat remain the larger story, but Sabalenka's first day in New York suggested she intends to handle all of it in her own way.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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