American star Frances Tiafoe’s wild Australian Open outfit divides fans: ‘Was someone at Nike tripping when they came up with this design?’
Frances Tiafoe stole the show on day one of the Australian Open and not because of his four-set win over Daniel Altmaier.
The US star turned heads because of his outfit, a sleeve-less top and shorts sporting large red, purple and blue patterns.
The choice of colours would have had Jackson Pollock nodding in approval and predictably split opinions among viewers.
Frances Tiafoe’s outfit turned heads during day one of the 2023 Australian Open on Monday
Some described the kit as iconic, while others questioned whether Nike’s designers had indulged in illicit substances when creating the outfit.
‘Was someone at Nike tripping when they came up with this design? Frances Tiafoe deserves better,’ a user wrote on Twitter.
Another meanwhile, noted the outfit was an ‘eyesore’ rather than iconic. But the American also received praise for pulling off the unusual combination.
The American donned a garish vest and shorts featuring big colourful patterns
‘Yes, it looks like a Nike accidental design and the colourful swivels are a bit of a distraction but he’s rocking it just fine,’ a fan wrote.
‘Not many can pull off.’
News Corp head of digital sport Emily Benammar struck a similar tone, describing it as glorious.
A fan wondered whether designers at Nike were using illicit substances when they designed Tiafoe’s extravagant kit for the Australian Open
While another argued there was nothing iconic about the outfit, which was an eyesore
But Tiafoe’s garish kit also won several fans on social media, despite being so unusual
Some argued while the kit was extravagant, Tiafoe was able to pull it of nonchalantly
Tiafoe’s US teammate Coco Gauff conceded her compatriot’s kit was rather unusual, but suggested it perfectly expressed his personality.
‘It’s a lot going on, but I feel like that’s Frances Tiafoe,’ the No7 seed told ESPN.
‘He has a lot going on. He’s never quiet, he’s always loud.
‘I think the outfit represents that. Loud and proud, and I think that’s Big Foe.’
Tiafoe will face Chinese qualifier Juncheng Shang in the second round of the Australian Open
Questionable sartorial choices aside, Tiafoe moved to the second round of the Australian Open after beating Altmaier 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (8-6) in a gruelling match that lasted nearly over three hours.
The No16 seed will face Chinese qualifier Juncheng Shang in the second round, after he beat Germany’s Oscar Otte in four sets.
The world No194 in the world, Shang was a surprise winner over the world No74, taking the first round match 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 7-5.
Advertisement