Tennis player Frances Tiafoe’s Nike outfit for his opening round Australian Open match was “certainly eye-catching to say the least,” according to 7NEWS.com.au. Tiafoe played in a "brightly coloured, psychedelic patterned singlet with matching shorts," with the look "immediately sparking furious debate on social media.” Some “applauded Tiafoe for his bravery,” while others “simply thought the Nike designed outfit was just loud and ghastly.” One fan said that the outfit “looked like ‘a trash bag ravaged by a raccoon.’” However, a “prominent journalist called the outfit 'glorious.'" Victoria Azarenka also “played in a similar outfit” for her singles match with Sofia Kenin, “shocking tennis traditionalists who were left wondering what in earth was Nike thinking" (7NEWS.com.au,1/16). Tennis player Coco Gauff said of Tiafoe’s outfit, “It’s a lot going on, but I feel like that’s Frances Tiafoe. He has a lot going, he’s never quiet, he’s always loud and I think the outfit represents that loud and proud.” ESPN’s John McEnroe said Nike is “going for broke with these outfits and the colors” (“Australian Open,” ESPN2, 1/16). In Sydney, Damien Woolnough writes “somewhere flamboyant dresser Andre Agassi is watching with his thumbs up in approval," but Rene Lacoste is "declaring a double fault from the grave” (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 1/17).
EXPANDING THE BRAND: Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman noted Tiafoe also recently posted pictures of himself on Instagram wearing only underwear as “he’s got a sponsorship with Calvin Klein.” Tennis Channel’s Monica Puig said Tiafoe is a friend, but the “underwear stuff is just kind of cringe for me.” Puig: “You do you. He’s getting involved in high fashion, I’ve seen him out sporting all the brands.” Weissman: “This is one of his higher liked posts on Instagram of all time” (“Tennis Channel Live,” Tennis Channel, 1/13).
Frances Tiafoe's animated Nike suit sparked reactions across social media during the Australian OpenGetty Images
