The season’s first major tournament is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable! Fans are eager to witness rivalries, especially between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. After last year’s impressive performances, they’re curious about what these stars will bring to Melbourne Park. However, Nike has stolen some of that spotlight—not for the player’s skills, but for the outfits they might wear during matches. Recently, the brand unveiled its latest tennis kits on social media, sparking a wave of reactions from fans.

Nike’s vibrant new collection features bold shades of green, yellow, and white, with a splash of white in each piece. Priced between $95 and $110, these lightweight outfits are designed to keep players cool in the Australian summer. Yet, fans aren’t exactly thrilled; many have taken to social media to express their disappointment. Some have humorously compared the designs to Power Rangers costumes due to their bright colors. One user quipped, “Can’t believe that Alcaraz and Sinner are wearing matching outfits at the Aussie Open. Nike are doing their best to manifest Sincaraz.” Clearly, fans are hoping for a more stylish look that aligns with what these top players usually wear.

The rivals typically sport more subdued apparel on the court. Sinner often opts for casual, minimalist looks with plain t-shirts and his signature cap that is a strake contrast to his powerful backhand on the court. Meanwhile, the Spaniard prefers sleeveless tops in solid colors that somehow complement his dynamic drop shots. These new designs, however, seem to stray far from their usual style.

Amid the fashion frenzy, Sinner faces an even bigger challenge: his ongoing doping controversy. After positive results surfaced in March 2024, WADA’s investigation led to an appeal before CAS. The looming verdict could result in a ban of up to two years. A prominent lawyer emphasized that this situation jeopardizes not just Sinner’s time on the court but also his brand deals—like with Nike, which is currently under scrutiny for its new designs.

Sinner’s sponsorships in jeopardy amid WADA appeal and legal warnings

Prominent lawyer Angelo Cascella raised alarms about the economic repercussions of Sinner’s situation. On November 17, he told Sport Mediaset, “Sponsorship contracts generally contain clauses that, in the event of a positive anti-doping test, can lead to the cancellation of a contract itself or to the payment of penalties by the athlete who may be found positive.” While Sinner’s impressive title haul keeps him in contention even if a ban is imposed, losing sponsors remains a real threat.

His roster includes major brands like Nike, Rolex, Gucci, Lavazza, and Alfa Romeo. Cascella warned that losing sponsors could severely impact Sinner’s finances and reputation since these deals often constitute a significant part of an athlete’s income.

Now, as Sinner gears up for the 2025 season, he aims to carry his momentum into this year despite the challenges ahead. Will he rise above this tumultuous period and maintain his winner’s mindset? Only time will tell as he navigates this complex situation while continuing to promote his sponsors.