NEW YORK (AFP) — If Sania Mirza's few fundamentalist critics back home in India did not like her wearing tennis dresses, they must have been stunned at the leopard-like US Open outfit her US doubles partner wore Tuesday.
Mirza and Bethanie Mattek were eliminated from the women's doubles event at the year's final Grand Slam tournament as Taiwan's fifth-seeded Chan Yung and Chuang Chia-Jung took a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 triumph.
But the most compelling thing about the match was Mattek's clevage-revealing leopard apparel, another bold statement in the flashy fashion fight that often accompanies women's events at the year's final Grand Slam event.
"New York is crazy. It's always cool to do something here," Mattek said.
"It's just keeping up with what the crowd likes. People are so vocal about it. Some love it or hate it. If they love or hate it, they'll come see it. I think it helps tennis."
Mirza, who wore a red top and white skirt, found out shortly before the match how Mattek would be clad.
"She said, 'I have leopard skin today.' I said, 'Oh, animal print. Cool,'" Mirza said.
The 20-year-old from Hyderbad has faced some Islamic criticism for modern dress, but Mirza was fine with her partner's flamboyant costume choice.
"She can do what the hell she wants. It really doesn't matter to me. I can do what I want for that matter," Mirza said.
"I haven't really been home in two months. I don't know what the reaction will be. I'm sure some people will have something to say."
Asked if she might have considered wearing a similar leopard outfit, Mirza smiles and said, "I'll pass on that one."
Mattek noted that both she and Mirza were risk-takers and that helped make them good partners.
"I'm sure it's tough to be careful about a lot of things. I respect her for doing things," Mattek said. "In the States we don't have that. I'm able to express myself. It's not like that everywhere else."
Mattek's leopard suit, following in the tradition of Catwoman and Pink Panther outfits from Serena Williams in a younger time, drew praise from Chan.
"Very special," she said. "She was even more sexy than ever today."
Even Mattek censored herself over another potential outfit, a French maid lingerie outfit complete with supportive bustier
"I was going to have a French nanny kind of look. That one was put aside," Mattek said. "I said I can't do it. I just wasn't feeling it. It just didn't fit right. Maybe next year I will find one that fits."
Mirza has found a partner that fits in Mattek even if she does not share her taste in wild tennis togs.
"We play together because we suit each other and we get along," Mirza said. "Why we take risks? I don't know. That's just the way we are."
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