US Open fans have criticized American star Taylor Townsend for her outfit choice before conquering world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday afternoon.
Throughout the opening week of the tournament, there was much discussion about pre-match attire, including Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka at the center of it all. However, ahead of their round of 16, it was Townsend’s turn to spark the debate.
The 30-year-old arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a striking all-black feather ensemble and had her hood over her head as she walked onto the pitch.
It didn’t take long for the outfit to go viral on social media, with fans left speechless at the Chicago native’s decision to wear the daring outfit ahead of the clash.
About X, a fan wrote: ‘What a shame. Just wear normal tennis clothes, this is ridiculous. We should be like that Wimbledon all matches in the US should be like Wimbledon and follow suit. This is fucking ridiculous.”
Another fan wrote, while sharing a photo of Townsend’s outfit: ‘WTH is she wearing? Taylor Townsend looks ridiculous.”
American star Taylor Townsend, 30, opted for a daring pre-match outfit at the US Open on Sunday
The 30-year-old arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a striking all-black feather ensemble and had her hood over her head as she walked onto the pitch.
“These ‘look at me’ excursions are getting a little tiring. If Taylor was going for the Sasquatch look, she definitely nailed it,” said another on social media.
It added to a running theme at this year’s competition, where stars like Sabalenka were repeatedly criticized for their non-traditional outfits.
The world number 1 then attracted attention at Flushing Meadows wearing a black basketball-inspired ensemble leaving her electric orange sports bra and matching briefs on full display during the mixed doubles match.
The two-time reigning singles champion donned a similar kit in Queens on Monday, only this time in all bright orange, as she defeated Camila Osorio 6-4, 6-4 to start her 2026 run in Flushing.
On Wednesday, Sabalenka returned to court in a black ensemble. This time, however, her sports bra and matching panties were also black.
Clearly feeling good in her latest outfit, she recorded a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over her helpless Russian-born opponent Polina Iatcenko.
Similarly, Naomi Osaka has drawn the ire of fans with daring outfits at the US Open.
Aryna Sabalenka raised eyebrows when she debuted her look for this year’s US Open last week
Naomi Osaka similarly drew the ire of tennis fans after wearing this outfit before the match
Osaka has become known in recent years for her bold fashion choices at grand slams and her outfits in New York this week were no different.
She stepped out on Thursday in an all-white ensemble, including a long overshirt with tennis rackets stitched into the design.
The long tail swung behind her as she walked onto the court, tripping on the fabric beneath her feet as she walked to the net to toss the coin and shake hands with her opponent.
On Saturday, the Japanese star wore a light gray zip-up hoodie under a fitted gray plaid blazer. At the bottom, Osaka wore wide, flowing gray pants.
