Zebras on loose at Roland Garros

Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych sports a zebra striped T-shirt on his match against Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri. (Photo: AFP )

There are zebras on the loose at the French Open giving a brash, new twist to Paris’s enduring reputation as the fashion capital of the world.

Top players such as former champion Ana Ivanovic, 2014 runner-up Simona Halep and ex-Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych are all sporting shirts at Roland Garros with black and white zebra stripes.

Widely-panned as garish and vulgar on social media, the players insist that they are happy with the design, the brainchild of Adidas and longtime Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto.

However, many are convinced it is a torture to the eye rather than a treat.

Brad Gilbert, a former tour player, coach of Andre Agassi and now a respected television pundit, admitted he was a little puzzled by the look.

“What’s up with so many players looking like FootLocker employees on safari U digging the Zebra shirts ” tweeted the American.

Ivanovic said she had no problems with her outfit. “I actually really like it. The cut is beautiful in the dress,” she said.