French Open: Simona Halep stuns crowds with bizarre zebra dress

Romania's Simona Halep returns the ball to Japan's Nao Hibino during their first round match of the French Open. Photo / AP

What's black and white and wears suspenders? No, it's not a zebra performing in the circus.

It's world No. 6 Simona Halep's new get-up - and it's as much a head-turner as it is a head-scratcher.

Social media lit up with comments about the unconventional tennis attire as the Romanian - a runner-up in Roland Garros two years ago - reached the French Open second round in just 43 minutes overnight.

The outfit is an adidas design and Halep at least is a fan, describing the design as "perfect".

Most onlookers, however, had a different opinion.

Not to be too critical, but what is this outfit Adidas put on #Halep? Idea: Let fans design the outfits! #RG16 https://t.co/xAiLNLtmd1

— ULTM8SerenaWilliamsf (@ultm8swfans) May 23, 2016

That is such an ugly outfit. What were they thinking when they designed that? #adidas

— Amelia M (@cambriaca) May 23, 2016

Halep tennis outfit is fugly zebra top and Raffle Skirt 1on the list worst 👚 #Tennisfashion #sorrynotsorry Halep

— Sophia reid (@sophiareid69) May 23, 2016

To be fair, there were a few admirers.

I actually like Simona Halep's outfit. Surprisingly. #RG16

— Nikhila (@kokudum) May 23, 2016

Fashion hit or fail, Halep eased past Japan's Nao Hinbo 6-2 6-0 and will next play Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan.