“Looks like Jannik Sinner is ready to go to school” – Fans dismayed by Italian’s ‘dreadful’ French Open outfit
Jannik Sinner’s vibrant green and blue Nike outfit at the French Open 2025, debuted during his first-round win over Arthur Rinderknech on May 26, sparked widespread criticism from fans, with some comparing it to a school uniform. Social media erupted with dismay, as @BenRothenberg on X quipped, “Looks like Jannik Sinner is ready to go to school,” while @Tennistimechat called it “one of the most horrendous outfits ever to grace a tennis court.” Despite the sartorial backlash, Sinner’s 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory showcased his focus, advancing him to face Richard Gasquet in the second round.
Outfit Controversy
Sinner’s Nike ensemble, featuring a green and blue color scheme with his signature fox and paw emblems, was meant to reflect precision and minimalist cool, per @TennisConnected. However, fans found it garish, with @SinnerFrance polling followers on its appeal and @Olly_Tennis_ asking for a “yay or nay.” The backlash echoed prior criticism of Sinner’s kits, like his 2024 French Open orange outfit, deemed “atrocious” by fans, and his 2025 Australian Open teal and yellow designs, mocked as “Power Rangers” looks, per Sportskeeda. In contrast, Sinner’s all-black Italian Open kit in May 2025 was praised as “moody, menacing, magnificent,” highlighting his preference for darker tones, which he said suits him better, per SI.com.
Sinner’s On-Court Performance
Despite the outfit furor, Sinner, the world No. 1, remained unfazed, defeating Rinderknech in straight sets on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Athletic noted his ability to shift gears decisively, breaking Rinderknech’s serve in the second set’s fourth game and sealing the match with a light smile, relishing his Grand Slam return post a three-month doping ban. His 28-2 record in 2025, including titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, per ATPTour.com, underscores his dominance, even as fans fixate on his fashion.
French Open Context
The outfit debate ties into the 2025 French Open’s broader narratives of resilience and scrutiny, mirroring Mirra Andreeva’s comeback against Cristina Bucsa, Paula Badosa’s emotional win over Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu’s £98,000 payday despite health struggles. Like Luke Littler’s darts controversies and Jack Grealish’s transfer saga, Sinner faces external pressures, yet his warm reception by the Paris crowd, per The Athletic, contrasts with anticipated skepticism over his doping case. As he prepares for Gasquet, Sinner’s focus remains on clay-court mastery, not wardrobe critiques.
Conclusion
Jannik Sinner’s ‘dreadful’ French Open 2025 outfit, mocked as a school uniform, ignited fan dismay, with X posts like @Tennistimechat decrying its “baffling” color clash. Yet, Sinner’s straight-sets win over Rinderknech proves his ability to rise above distractions. As he advances, the controversy highlights the intense scrutiny athletes face, akin to French Open stories of Raducanu’s grit and Badosa’s empathy, with Sinner’s performance overshadowing his fashion misstep.
