Jannik Sinner will debut a new Nike outfit and footwear at the 2026 Australian Open, marking a shift from the Nike Zoom Zero tennis shoes he has worn for several years, according to reports surfacing this week.
The Italian player will sport the Nike Zoom GP Challenge Pro sneakers on court, a change noted by observers on social media and subsequently reported by The Tennis Insider. Sinner’s previous footwear, the Zoom Zero, has been discontinued, making the transition to the GP Challenge Pro a necessary one for the upcoming tournament.
The apparel update extends beyond footwear, with Sinner also scheduled to wear new Nike designs throughout the Australian Open. Carlos Alcaraz, another prominent player, will also be showcasing a bold new Nike design at the tournament. Alcaraz will be wearing custom Nike Vapor 12 shoes, which are now available for retail purchase.
Equipment changes are also underway for Alcaraz’s racket. He has been testing a new Babolat Pure Aero design in the off-season and is expected to unveil it at the Australian Open. Alcaraz has used his previous racket design since winning his first Grand Slam in 2022, making this a significant update to his equipment.
Babolat is also anticipated to release a new Head Speed line to the public in the coming months. The Tennis Insider reports exclusive insight into the custom gear worn by professional players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Kei Nishikori.
The evolution of tennis apparel has been a gradual process. In the early 20th century, players wore heavy cable knit cardigans and long cricket flannel trousers. Rene Lacoste’s introduction of a short-sleeved cotton-mesh shirt in 1926 offered increased range of motion, and comfort. Further changes came in 1932 when Henry “Bunny” Austin opted for shorts at Forrest Hills, a move initially met with resistance from other players. The transition to shorts as standard attire wasn’t fully realized until after World War II.
More recently, the introduction of athletic shoes by Stan Smith in the early 1970s, specifically Adidas shoes, marked another shift in tennis attire. The sport has continued to witness a blend of technical fabrics and fashion statements, with brands like Babolat, Prince, Wilson, Adidas, Yonex, Head, and Nike constantly reimagining their offerings, alongside newcomers such as Spence, Vuori, On, Solotex, and Reigning Champ. Collaborations between APC x Asics, Brain Dead x Adidas, and New Balance x Miu Miu x Coco Gauff are also emerging.
