Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are set to face each other for the 2024 Australian Open title on Saturday. Let’s have a look at their tennis shoes, apparel and racquets. For the first time since the 2020 US Open we’re having an all-Nike Grand Slam final! It will also be a clash between two Wilson racquets.
Aryna Sabalenka: Nike dress and Wilson racquet
THIRTEEN straight wins at the #AusOpen for Aryna Sabalenka!
With just one single set lost in that span (2023 final vs Rybakina) 😎 pic.twitter.com/pCcXFstbCV
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 25, 2024
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka returned to the Australian Open final with a thrilling 7-6(2) 6-4 victory over reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff. The world No.2 promotes Nike’s new Melbourne collection, a mix of color-blocking mastery and tonal knit textures.
The Belarusian’s specific choice is the red version of the Nike Spring Slam Dress, a racerback design made from a stretchy Dri-FIT material. It is characteristic for its curved hem, contrast wavy line accent on the sides and a perforated elastic strap on the back.
Note that Nike tailored a custom red dress for Sabalenka’s US Open appearance, yet for her title defense in Australia, she’s sporting a generic design from the brand. Looks like they went all-in on Naomi Osaka.
Interestingly, Sabalenka is wearing the previous season’s NikeCourt Zoom NXT tennis shoe in noble red, as the color perfectly matches her new dress. Let me remind you, she wore the same kicks in the 2023 US Open final.
When it comes to a tennis racquet, Sabalenka plays with Wilson Blade 98 18×20 v9.
Zheng Qinwen: Nike outfit and Wilson racquet
Zheng Qinwen reached her maiden Grand Slam final with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska. The Chinese player showcases her fashion flair with an exquisite ensemble from the Nike Melbourne collection, donning the eye-catching green Nike Melbourne Slam Tank paired with the matching Nike Spring Advantage Mini Pleat Skirt.
The top’s textured material, along with the strategically placed cutout on the back, provides proper ventilation and freedom of movement. The skirt stands out with its wavy micro-pleated panel, designed in such a way to minimize fly-ups during play.
Queenwen, as they started calling her, wears Nike Vapor Pro 2 tennis shoe, in the colorway from the latest Melbourne footwear collection.
Just like her next opponent, Zheng uses a Wilson tennis racquet, specifically the Pro Staff 97 v14 model.
The upcoming Australian Open final will be the second career meeting between Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen. Sabalenka holds a 1-0 lead in their head-to-head record, their sole encounter taking place in the US Open quarterfinals last year.
Sabalenka is currently on a remarkable 13-match winning streak at the Australian Open and has yet to drop a set this fortnight. She aims to make history by becoming the first woman to successfully defend the Australian Open title since her countrywoman Victoria Azarenka accomplished the feat in 2013.
On the other side, Zheng is set to play in her first Grand Slam final and is eager to carve her name in history as the first Chinese woman to win a Grand Slam since Li Na’s triumph in Melbourne a decade ago.
Read more: Explore our comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Australian Open fashion.
