The Western and Southern Open is an ATP 1000 event held in mid-August in Cincinnati, Ohio. While not as famed as a Grand Slam, its ATP 1000 status still grants it prestige; the best players in the world come to Cincinnati to compete every year.
The men’s 2023 champion was Novak Djokovic, as he triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz 5-7 7-6 (7) 7-6 (4). This comes as no surprise, as he has won this tournament both in 2020 and 2018. However, he was not the first seed—Alcaraz was, as he has risen tremendously in the past few years.
Djokovic outlasted Alcaraz in blue and white attire, detailed by stark lines and contrasts between the two colors. He is sponsored by the brand Lacoste, popular amongst tennis players. Lacoste welcomes a sophisticated style into its designs, so the shirt is a button-up, finished with a polo collar. It retails on Lacoste’s website for $110, and is marketed as having “light and breathable fabric.” I personally am a huge fan of this shirt, along with his overall look in this match; the blue theme of his clothing visually appeals to me. I love an obvious theme in players’ clothing when it comes to tennis, and Djokovic does that well here.
His cerulean blue shorts retail for $80, and have “maximum breathability.” Points for comfort. His top and bottom pair perfectly with his jacket, which he wore for the champion ceremony. I love his jacket as well, as it is nearly fully blue minus green accents running on it, identical colors to his Asics shoes. His jacket will cost you a hefty penny though; it sells for $220.
Lily’s Analysis:
Style: (colors, fabric, composition) 9/10
Function: (comfort, breathability) 8/10
The men’s 2023 finalist, Carlos Alcaraz, stepped out in a handsome, dark emerald green outfit by Nike. His partnership with Nike began in January 2020, and since then he has been sporting their attire. I am nothing less than obsessed with his look. One of my favorite colors is dark green, and Alcaraz’s outfit is the perfect hue. It also compliments his tan skin wonderfully. The shirt has neon green stripes underneath the arms, providing a hint of contrast to the darker green. It also features glossy clear imprints all over the front, which I believe are intended to look like jungle leaves as the shirt’s color is “Deep Jungle.” I like it; it adds some uniqueness. The top is currently for sale on Nike, under the title NikeCourt Dri-Fit Advantage Men’s Tennis Top. It retails for $80.
His shorts are made with sustainable materials, which is a plus for me. They are the same dark green shade, and retail on Nike for $65. Both Alcaraz’s top and bottom are marketed as highly breathable and light, and Nike’s famed Dri-Fit technology convinces me of that. Alcaraz’s choice of outfit in this tournament is one I adore, and Nike’s sleek designs are another attractive factor for me.
Lily’s Analysis:
Style: (colors, fabric, composition) 10/10
Function: (comfort, breathability) 9/10
Between the two outfits, it is hard to pick. I enjoy both Djokovic’s and Alcaraz’s outfits, and both are deserving of high praise. However, I’d have to choose Alcaraz’s emerald attire for the better outfit. The color is slightly more appealing to me, and his Nike partnership makes all his outfits attractive.
