US Open superstar fires back at fan backlash to her 'trashy' see-through outfit: 'Who cares what people think?'

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka has doubled down on her controversial recent outfit at the US Open, insisting she 'loves it' despite fans on social media labeling it 'trashy'. 

The female superstar, who is the favorite to win in New York, turned heads earlier in the week when she took to the court alongside Novak Djokovic in the mixed doubles competition.

Sabalenka wore a black mesh Nike dress for the match, which left her electric orange sports bra and matching briefs completely exposed underneath.

Tennis fans were quick to slam the risque outfit, but now, a few days on, Sabalenka is in no mood to back down.

'Who cares what people think?' she told reporters at Flushing Meadows on Friday's media day. 'I love it,' she added of the outfit.

'Surfing for the Australian Open, ballet for Roland Garros, cricket for Wimbledon. Now it's basketball and we're in New York. Isn't it the perfect fit?

'I love basically everything about my outfit. I love that it's different. I love that this outfit is bold. Whatever people saying on internet, I heard they probably didn't like it … it's funny for me.'

She then added: 'When Nike was pretty simple and standard, they were complaining. When Nike went really cool and fun and trying to get back, they always complain.

'So who cares about people, right? All that matters for me is that I love it. For me, it's super fun. Plus it's really cool for pictures.'

The outfit certainly set fans' tongues wagging on social media, with one viewer writing: 'How about that - Sabalenka leading the parade of streetwalker chic at the US Open with fishnet over shorts and a sports bra. Why does New York bring out all the trashy-ness?' 

'This Sabalenka clown kit can't be actually real,' another posted as a third questioned: 'What is this outfit on Sabalenka???'

Another asked: 'What on f***ing Earth is Aryna Sabalenka wearing? The netting and the heavy tacky jewellery. Who put her in that?'

'Sabalenka is such a diva, in the best way lol,' a more positive fan shared. 'Those earrings and necklace lol. It's kinda ugly but I still love it considering how over the top it is for tennis #USOpen.'

'Nike really saw Sabalenka is going to lose #1 and punished her with this kit,' claimed another. 

Sabalenka and Djokovic were humbled by Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova in the match, who rallied after losing the first set to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-2 in the first round of the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows. 

Siniakova, ranked No. 1 in women's doubles, ended the match with an ace while serving to Djokovic.

'Kat acing Novak on match point was pretty fun,' Patten said after the match, before a quick turnaround to play their quarterfinal match against the married pair of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.

Sabalenka and Djokovic will now turn their attention to their individual games with both stars competing in the singles events, which begin on Sunday.