Tennis is considered a sport of skill, precise movement, and stylish apparel, and if it was ever described as the “gentleman’s sport,” Naomi Osaka broke that stereotype with one of the most elegant entrances in recent memory.
A show-stopping moment before a single serve
Osaka is known for giving the crowd something to watch even before she steps onto the court, but on Day Three of the Australian Open, she took it to another level with an outfit dedicated to her daughter, Shai. Her creativity on the court exceeded all expectations.
Many described the moment as magical, as her outfit emulated marine life – perhaps a nod to the host country of the tournament. Osaka walked onto the court wearing an ocean-blue tie-dye tracksuit jacket with wide-leg white trousers, both adorned with ruffles. Two white butterflies, one on her wide-brimmed hat and another on her umbrella, referenced the time a butterfly landed on her face mid-match during her 2021 Australian Open run.
A headline-making style
The Japanese star drew inspiration for her outfit from a jellyfish she had seen in a book while reading to her two-year-old daughter. With creative freedom from Nike, she was able to bring her vision to life, collaborating with London-based stylist Robert Wun, who has previously dressed global music icons such as Beyonce, Cardi B, and Ariana Grande. The result was a striking design that reflected both her personal story and artistic imagination.
Osaka followed her entrance with a dramatic first-round match against Croatian world number 65 Ruzic. The former world number one didn’t make it easy for herself, falling 3-4 in the deciding set, but immediately broke back for 4-4 and then surged through consecutive games to secure victory.
Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open return was more than just a match. With her bold outfit and commanding presence, she reminded the world that her influence extends beyond the baseline – blending sport, art, and personal storytelling.
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