Nike or Adidas at the US Open?

Federer v Nadal? Halep v Pliskova?

I mean, sure that’s interesting, but it’s not what we really care about. What we do really care about is Nike v Adidas – and which tennis outfit triumphs ahead of the 2017 US Open.

Let’s start with Nike, who recently posted the image above on their Nike Court Facebook page. Yet Adidas were not to be undone, with several of its athletes promoting the latest tennis collection by Pharrell Williams on their social media channels.

Can’t wait to hit the court at the #USOpen in the @adidastennis by @pharrell collection. #MyGame

A post shared by Garbiñe Muguruza (@garbimuguruza) on Aug 16, 2017 at 11:06am PDT

Stripes are in. The @adidastennis by @pharrell collection. #MyGame #USOpen

A post shared by Alexander Zverev (@alexzverev123) on Aug 16, 2017 at 7:13am PDT

???? on the prize. The @adidastennis by @pharrell collection. #MyGame #USOpen

A post shared by Jo-Wilfried TSONGA (@tsongaofficiel) on Aug 21, 2017 at 7:10am PDT

So, you’ve seen the outfits. Now let’s pick a winner.

Colour

Nike: A lot of black, grey and white and seldom bright colours to contrast. We like the red shoes but they are jarring with little colour anywhere else. Overall it’s very dark and uninspiring, but the galaxy shirts deserve a round of applause.

Adidas: Colourful and confident. Strong accents of yellow, red and navy blue are bright and fun which will look great in the New York summer. The white shoes blend perfectly with the rest of the outfit and the subtle hints of royal blue also please the eye.

Advantage: Adidas

Style

Nike: Sleek, sporty, sexy, modern. It’s a tried-and-true formula, but you can’t help but feel bored. And it feels like they’re trying too hard to be cool – it’s tennis, not a battle between superheroes for the fate of the world. Lighten up, Nike.

Adidas: It’s a vintage vibe from Pharrell. Drawing inspiration from ‘80s legends John McEnroe and Chris Evert, the retro pinstripes and the crisp white skirt and headband trigger those precious nostalgic feelings. The blocky colours are positioned in subtle places so it stays loud without being brash.

Advantage: Adidas

The Models

Nike: Where’s the consistency, guys? Kyrgios is spinning his racquet around, Sharapova doesn’t even have a racquet and Rafa looks like he’s been on a 12-hour flight with a guy who kept reminding him he can’t win anything unless it’s on clay. Also – why is Roger the only one walking?

Adidas: Garbi, Sascha, and Jo have gone with the Stand There Look Pretty And Hit A Tennis Ball When Pharrell Tells Me To Hit A Tennis Ball strategy. We can’t fault it.

Advantage: Adidas

The Verdict

The companies went in completely opposite directions: Nike went super-duper Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice-level serious, while Pharrell and Adidas kept it light with uniquely colourful clothes that’ll look ace in the sun.

A rare win for Adidas.