Ariel Behar played in a pink shirt adorned with kangaroos and had a pink crab on his backside (Image: Eurosport)
One doubles player turned heads at the Australian Open on Monday with the most eye-catching kit of the lot.
There’s been talk about ’s sunflower details, ’s superhero-inspired outfit and ’s sleeveless look. But Ariel Behar has stolen the fashion show.
The world No. 42 took to the court in a gaudy pink outfit adorned with kangaroos – and the back was even more spectacular.
Behar is known for pulling out unusual, colourful looks at every tournament. His wife designs his custom kits and always brings something new to the table.
And it was no different on Monday as the Uruguayan took to the court with two unique looks. He stepped out wearing a shirt that had a graphic of a koala wearing shades and a crown.
But he took things up a notch and changed into an even better outfit after losing the first set. The 35-year-old returned wearing a shirt covered in a print of kangaroos wearing sunglasses. To top it off, Behar also wore his own shades to compete.
When he turned around, a giant version of the kangaroo was emblazoned on the back of his t-shirt. Behar also wore the outfit during his warm-up events Down Under.
It’s the latest statement Behar has made. Last year, he turned up to the wearing a shirt covered in koalas.
Ariel Behar initially walked on the court in a purple koala shirt (Image: Eurosport)
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He’s also worn a gingerbread man print and had a giant Lego Superman splashed over his chest. Other patterns have included lucky cats, mushrooms and striped jellyfish.
But the best bit is where he gets the outfits from. Every design is custom-made by Behar’s wife Sabrina Sielicki, who owns Lala Sportswear.
She initially launched the company as a womenswear brand, but when doubles No. 42 was left without a sponsor five years ago, she decided to make match kits. Behar discussed his wife’s decision to dress him during the 2021 Delray Beach Open.
“My then-girlfriend, now my wife, asked me if I would be keen to wear her brand to play tennis, because I had no sponsors,” he explained.
“I had nobody to dress me up, and she was up for that. She created a new brand to dress me up.
“Every tournament (fans) come to me and ask how they can get the shirts or shorts. People are really interested in the brand. I’m being sent pictures and videos from social media.”
While some might think the outfits are too garish, the 35-year-old is more than happy to draw attention to his wife’s brand. He added: “If I do well and I’m successful, or if the TV or social media makes it bigger, it’s better for her. So I don’t care, I’ll wear whatever she puts me in.”
Unfortunately, Monday may have been the last time fans will see the kangaroo shirt. Behar and his partner Robert Galloway lost a tight match to No. 11 seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool 6-3 3-6 7-6(9).