Rafael Nadal’s penchant for color was laid bare again yesterday as the twenty two-time grand slam winner arrived on-court at the US Open clad in pops of pink ahead of his first round match against Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata.
The Spaniard – who eventually won comfortably in four sets after a brief scare – arrived at New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium in a pleasing fuchsia pink tracksuit ensemble, equipped with his matching signature headband.
A return to wild dressing after restrictive white wash rules of Wimbledon earlier this year, both Nadal's match and pre-match rigs were another reminder of just how well the 36 year old co-ordinates his hues.
Nadal has become renowned for his style throughout his career – most notably his signature headband – although in recent years has caught the attention of onlookers for some more daring looks on a number of occasions.
Last year during a tournament in Monte Carlo, Nadal donned a fitted pair of pink NikeCourt Dri-Fit shorts which sent the internet into meltdown, while his colorful concoctions from the French Open earlier this year also garnered generous attention.
At this stage though, it's the Spaniard's penchant for pink that's receiving the plaudits and in turn giving actual real-life Barbie and Paris Hilton a run for their money, and with Nadal now into the second round and in good form, there are likely plenty more top drawer rigs to come.
For Nadal, the US Open is an opportunity to not only claim a fifth American title, but to keep up his unbeaten run at grand slams this year. For onlookers like us though, it's too an opportunity to witness colorful sportswear ensembles at their very finest. Vamos, Nadal!
