Naomi Osaka has once again captured the world’s attention in tennis, not only for her performance on the court but also for the bold style she chose for her debut at the French Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion appeared at the iconic Parisian tournament dressed in a daring black corset and shimmering pleated skirt from Nike, exuding a red-carpet-worthy energy under the Paris sun. However, behind the glitz and glamour lay legitimate concerns about sanctions and provocations from her opponent.
“When I saw the dress for the first time, I felt like the Eiffel Tower at night, all lit up,” Osaka confessed at the post-match press conference, commenting on her eye-catching look. However, the reflectivity of the fabric made her nervous: “I was worried because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. I was afraid the referee would ask me to leave the court,” revealed the Japanese tennis player, who even brought two spare Nike dresses in case she needed to change.
In tennis, the rules regarding shiny accessories or highly reflective clothing are clear: the opponent can complain, and the referee has the authority to request changes if something distracts or hinders the game. Fortunately, Osaka’s look did not cause any incidents during the match.
Despite public support and even thanks to Nike for the design, Osaka’s look has not escaped severe criticism, especially after statements from her 38-year-old rival, Laura Siegemund. The German, who lost in straight sets at Suzanne-Lenglen, did not hold back when asked by Eurosport Germany: “I’m not interested at all. I come here to play tennis, not to model.” Siegemund also added that, although she respects those who want to use fashion as expression, she finds it problematic “that every second is analyzed at every tournament, even when opening a bottle of water.”
For Naomi Osaka, fashion is an extension of her identity and a way to communicate. Earlier this year in Melbourne, she once again surprised everyone with an outfit inspired by jellyfish and butterflies, a reference to significant personal moments in her career. “The inspiration was obviously the jellyfish and the butterflies, which refer to a moment of mine in 2021,” she explained.
This intimate relationship with fashion has been evident since last year’s US Open, where she wore distinct colors for day and night sessions, revealing that her outfits help her transform into different characters on the court. “I feel that, for me, fashion is a way of speaking when I don’t say much. I can be as bold as I want with colors, patterns, and fabrics,” said Osaka, who also acknowledges the influence of the Williams sisters, particularly Serena and Venus, pioneers in expressing themselves through their clothing.
With heightened attention on her second match against Donna Vekić at Roland Garros, fans are expecting not only a brilliant performance in sporting terms but also more bold fashion statements. Naomi Osaka continues to challenge the conventions of tennis, proving that on the court, her voice is as powerful as her style.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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