In chic sunglasses, Aryna Sabalenka talk Gucci partnership, teases on-court collab at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia—When it comes to blending tennis and fashion, Aryna Sabalenka is ready to return serve.

Just days ago, the world No. 1 expressed interest in bringing her own haute couture eye to the tennis court after Naomi Osaka debuted an eye-catching Robert Wun ensemble for her Australian Open matches.

“I would definitely do some cool entrance like red-carpet entrance, but I think I would style myself a bit differently,” she said on Wednesday.

Now partnered with elite fashion brand Gucci, Sabalenka, who, like Osaka, is also sponsored by Nike, teased a fashion show of her own after booking her spot in the second week.

“Well, Gucci is bold and expressive. I think it's the best fit,” Sabalenka said after edging past good friend Anastasia Potapova, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7), donning a pair of Gucci sunglasses for effect.

“It's a perfect time to bring fashion on court. Gucci is the best brand, the best fashion brand with the best designer right now. Yeah, I think we can do really cool stuff for on court,” she added with a laugh, taking off her sunglasses to better see the members of the press.

Sabalenka announced the partnership Thursday night, joining fellow Global Ambassador Jannik Sinner on the Gucci roster with a video featuring the four-time Grand Slam champion practicing in a dramatic kaftan.

“I have it in my room,” she said of the dress. “You might see me walking around in that one!”

Even as the press conference shifted back towards tennis, the news was clearly still on the top seed’s mind.

“I'm so into Gucci right now so that my English is not working,” joked Sabalenka, searching for a word in a later answer. “I'm sorry, guys. I'm really off today. But I will try my best to explain myself.”

Gucci will also play a part in Sabalenka’s post-match routine, giving the two-time champion a place to indulge in a little retail therapy.

“That was my best relaxation, let's say,” she said of her trip the Gucci store. “Just need to get a lot of stuff.”

Sabalenka will return to sporting runway for her Round of 16 meeting with Victoria Mboko, a rising Canadian star already seeded No. 17 after two title runs in 2025.