Fans recently called out Aryna Sabalenka for promoting a tequila brand ahead of the US Open, questioning her decision to promote alcohol. Following one of her wins in 2024, Sabalenka made a promise to celebrate her win with fans by offering the crowd “Drinks on Me”.
The next year, she entered into a partnership with Dobel Tequila to cover the first round of Dobel Tequila cocktails for New York-based fans. Dobel Tequila has partnered with the top tournaments, including the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open, and the Cincinnati Open.
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The World No. 1 has signature drinks like the “Marg-Aryna” and “Sabalenka Smash” margarita and also appears in the brand’s “Drinks on Us” promotional campaigns. Ahead of the US Open, Sabalenka was seen posing for the brand’s photoshoot. She shared a few pictures on Instagram and wrote:
“Back in NYC with @dobeltequila, Official Tequila of the US Open. Enjoy my signature cocktail, the Sabalenka Smash Margarita, at the Dobel Tequila Club. 🚕”
Sabalenka’s recent promotions with the alcohol brand did not land well with fans, who slammed her for promoting alcohol despite being a professional athlete.
“Seriously? Promoting alcohol as an elite athlete?”
Another fan found a contrast in the partnership, stating that her success comes from intense training and a disciplined lifestyle.
“It’s a bit strange that a girl who trains and has achieved so much success is promoting alcohol.”
One of the fans simply highlighted her recent underwhelming run and suggested that the World No. 1 focus on her game.
“Time to get focused on the game. Love you but your head is not in the game.”
Here are a few more reactions:
“In love with Aryna but this is dislike 😶🌫️,” a fan wrote.
“This is ridiculous,” another fan added.
“Maybe practice instead of promoting booze & fashion,” one of the fans penned.
Aryna Sabalenka responds to criticism over her US Open outfit
Days ahead of the 2026 US Open, Aryna Sabalenka revealed her basketball-inspired outfit for the tournament. Sabalenka’s outfit for the last Grand Slam of the year features black mesh and red shorts with a sports bra. However, fans expressed their dislike for the dress.
In a press conference during her Canadian Open run, Aryna Sabalenka stated that she is happy with the dress and added that she cannot always make everyone happy.
“I really like this year’s Nike outfit because it’s inspired by different sports,” she said. “The Australian Open one was linked to surfing, the Roland-Garros one to dance, and Wimbledon to cricket. And finally, for the US Open, basketball is in the spotlight.”
“I love my outfit. If some people don’t like it, that’s okay,” Sabalenka added. “You can’t please everyone with your clothes. That’s exactly what I love about fashion: there’s room for everyone, for all desires and inspirations.”
The 2026 US Open will be held from Sunday, August 23, to Sunday, September 13, 2026, in New York.
Edited by Janhavi Shinde
