Nike is going all-in on the basketball theme for the 2026 US Open and Alexandra Eala’s newly unveiled royal blue tennis dress might be the most successful interpretation of the trend so far. The design strikes a balance between dramatic mesh detailing and the coverage needed for a high-performance outfit.
While Aryna Sabalenka’s version pushes the basketball-inspired look into a more revealing direction, Eala’s dress incorporates the “fishnet” mesh elements in a more refined way. The textured panels appear along the side of the skirt and extend across the racerback area down toward the mid-back, adding dimension and a sporty edge without compromising comfort or wearability on court.
The royal blue base, combined with black and white outlines, feels especially fitting for the US Open stage. It’s eye-catching, athletic, and aligned with the tournament’s visual identity.
What do you think of Eala’s new dress? How does it compare to Sabalenka’s and Naomi Osaka’s takes on Nike’s basketball theme?
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Additional info: As seen on Vogue Philippines, Nike has also recently launched a limited-edition collection celebrating Eala’s Filipino heritage. Designed by Manila-based artist Georgina Camus, the Nike By You In Full Bloom collection features a T-shirt, cap, and tote bag decorated with the Sampaguita flower, the national flower of the Philippines, set against a tennis court backdrop. The floral design serves as a “blooming tribute” to the new WTA world No. 20’s career success while honoring her roots.
You can now shop the new Nike collection at both Tennis Warehouse USA and Tennis Warehouse Europe.
EXPLORE MORE 2026 US OPEN FASHION STORIES:
Players & their looks
- Naomi Osaka’s metallic Nike fit: jacket, skirts, dress and shoes
- Aryna Sabalenka‘s extra revealing Nike mesh dress
- Elina Svitolina, Karolina Muchova and Wang Xinyu showcase Adidas’ retro-inspired outfits
- Jessica Pegula and Iva Jovic in Adidas’ ’90s New York nightlife looks
- Iga Swiatek‘s latest On separates
- Belinda Bencic’s new Asics outfit
- Eva Lys promotes Lacoste’s New York whites
Brand collections & new designs
- Much-loved Wilson serves up another standout tennis collection
- Nike’s controversial fishnet designs have a basketball connection
- Adidas takes a risk with its bold new bodysuit and onesie
- New Balance’s subtle twist on the pleated tennis skirt
- Yonex introduces one-shoulder dresses and diagonal lines
