The countdown to the Australian Open is always an electrifying time, with the tennis world buzzing over players’ preparations and jaw-dropping skills. But this year, something else is stealing the spotlight—the players’ outfits! And the latest to cause a stir? None other than Polish star Iga Swiatek. Swiatek’s probable attire for the tournament has become a hot topic of conversation and let’s just say, the reactions are anything but quiet.

The Polish tennis sensation was spotted at Grace Park Hawthorn Club in Australia during a promotional event. She was seen wearing creamsicle-inspired apparel with the Roger Federer-backed brand ON’s logo etched on it. Swiatek’s attire featured a unique blend of orange, pink, and white colors with the photoshoot taking place on clay courts. Remember, although the Australian Open is played on the hard courts, Swiatek’s success on clay, where she amassed 4 Grand Slam titles, reportedly prompted the brand to carry out the photoshoot on that surface.

Taking to X, a user shared snippets from the event and claimed that the outfit will be worn by Swiatek at the Australian Open. “Iga Swiatek’s Australian Open kit, debuted at a promotional event for On today in Melbourne,” the user wrote. While there has been no confirmation from the brand if Swiatek will actually wear the same outfit, the time that the pictures have emerged has prompted the claims. As soon as the post gained traction, it led to an influx of comments from fans and enthusiasts who slammed the design and expressed their dissatisfaction. 

Several people took to the platform to express that the brand could have designed better apparel for the World No. 2 star. They even highlighted that the design is not something unique and wished for the partnership between the brand and the Polish star to end soon. 

Roger Federer-backed brand in hot waters over Iga Swiatek’s outfit

Taking to X, one user wrote, “I’m ready for this contract to expire 😭.” The partnership between ON, a company in which Roger Federer has substantial stakes, and Iga Swiatek began in March 2023. Since then, the Polish star has been seen donning outfits crafted by the brand. Talking about the partnership back then, Federer had lauded Swiatek, saying she “represents the next generation of world-class talent.” Continuing further, he shared that she “demonstrates On’s competitive spirit and embody current and future champions of the sport. We are pleased to welcome them to the On family.” But now, with the latest AO outfit making rounds, fans are willing for the partnership to end soon and more people voiced similar sentiments. 

Responding to the post, another user wrote, “Seriously? For how much longer they gonna be milking ombre theme… 🥱.” This is not the first time that ON has faced criticism over designing Swiatek’s outfit. During the Sunshine Doubles last year, Swiatek was seen sporting a black ON attire with pink stripes on it. This led to huge backlashes against the brand with fans claiming that the design was not decent enough for a World No. 1 player. Several fans joined the fray this time as well. 

“I pray for ending this nightmare, she deserves better outfits,” wrote another user. Controversy over Swiatek’s Australian Open is not something new. Last year, Swiatek was seen wearing a white outfit for the tournament. However, it disappointed the fans with many accusing her of thinking the Australian Open to be Wimbledon, where an All-White dress code is mandatory. Now, with yet another Australian Open entering into the picture, it seems that the turmoil over Swiatek’s fashion is far from over. 

One more user expressed their disappointment and wrote, “On has been the most useless new entry into tennis fashion.” Interestingly, Swiatek has been vocal about her partnership with the brand and has shown high regard for it. “It has been very inspirational for me to develop my ideas and needs with them, working on my current and future gear,” Swiatek said in 2023 adding that Federer became one of the major reasons behind her signing a deal with the brand. However, her fans are failing to resonate similar sentiments and her latest outfit has yet again sparked disappointment.

Yet another user simply wrote, “Well….it exists lol,” expressing their surprise. Now, as the tournament inches closer, it would be interesting to see if the brand or Iga Swiatek come forward to respond to the criticism, thereby shutting the naysayers.