Alexander Zverev Dismisses Nike Outfits at Indian Wells: “Become a Bit Colorblind Lately”

Alexander Zverev is in the semi-finals of the 2026 Indian Wells Masters.

Alexander Zverev Dismisses Nike Outfits at Indian Wells: “Become a Bit Colorblind Lately”

Alexander Zverev (via Punto de Break)

In Short
  • Alexander Zverev criticized Nike's recent outfit designs during a press conference at Indian Wells.
  • He expressed satisfaction with his long-term partnership with Adidas, highlighting his involvement in design choices.
  • Zverev is set to face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, acknowledging the challenge posed by Sinner's recent performance.

Alexander Zverev has taken a dig at his rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s outfits in a light-hearted press conference at the Indian Wells Masters. The German star, who is in the semi-finals of the ATP 1000 tournament, wears a kit sponsored by Adidas and has often revealed that he participates in the selection of designs for it.

In recent months, Nike kits have come under a lot of scrutiny from fans for being less unique in their color combinations. The scrutiny has particularly been on Sinner this season, even though he had said he believes Nike kits are good and that his team always provides input on the color and design of his kit before any tournament.

At Indian Wells, he wears a pink-and-white combo with pink Nike sneakers. Some fans have hailed it for being colorful, but former World No.1 Jim Courier criticized it, stressing that the Italian star has a light skin tone and red hair, and wearing a light pink top isn’t too attractive for him.

Several top players in the men’s circuit wear the Nike brand, including Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper, and Frances Tiafoe. In the women’s circuit, Aryna Sabalenka, Amanda Anisimova, Mirra Andreeva, Madison Keys, Alexandra Eala, and, most recently, Emma Raducanu. The brand is known to invest in youngsters on the court.

During Zverev’s post-match press conference, he was asked about the creative process that brands undertake when it comes to designing their kits. The German star praises Adidas and said they have been in partnership for 10 years. However, he was quick to mock Sinner and Alcaraz’s Nike outfits at the tournament in the California desert:

We had a partnership for over 10 years now, so it’s going great. Of course. It’s a combined work, but they know my preferences already. After 10 years working together, it stays that way. I love the new stuff from Francis Tiafoe, the Lululemon stuff. I think they’re doing a great job. I feel like Nike has become a bit colorblind lately. Not throwing any shades. Yeah, Adidas is still the best for sure. Accessories help you sho personality.

Zverev, Sinner, and Alcaraz are in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells. Zverev will take on Sinner in the semi-finals, while Alcaraz will take on Daniil Medvedev in their last four match. Alcaraz is currently in red-hot form, having won 16 matches on tour and two titles, including the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Alexander Zverev admits he’s ready to challenge Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells

Alexander Zverev will face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters. The World No.4 defeated Arthur Fils in straight sets in the quarter-finals, after beating American star Frances Tiafoe in straight sets. This is the German star’s second semi-final of the season, but he’s yet to get to a final of a tournament.

Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner (via X/Jose Morgado/ATP)
Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner (via X/Jose Morgado/ATP)

Zverev holds a 4-6 head-to-head record against Sinner. The last time they met was at the ATP Finals in Turin, where Sinner defeated the world No.4 in straight sets. The Italian has won their last five meetings on tour. Ahead of their meeting, Zverev believes that it will be a tough challenge for him when he takes on the court:

It’s always a challenge. He’s been one of the two best players in the world the last two years. Him and Carlos won all the Grand Slams and all the big events. Of course it’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.

Sinner, who defeated Learner Tien is yet to drop a set at the Indian Wells Open, but he has never won the tournament in his career. In fact, he has not reached the final of the event. The last time he reached the semi-finals of the event was in 2024, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz went on to win the championship.

Also Read: Jack Draper and Daniil Medvedev Exchange Heated Words After Hindrance Call