Naomi Osaka keeps bringing the fashion in Paris. For her walk-on before a second-round win at the French Open, the tennis star wore a metallic gold bomber jacket over her sequined gold playing dress, offset by an ivory train in a look that mixes sportswear with couture. The outfit was the latest in a series of striking on-court ensembles that have become a signature of her appearances at Roland Garros.
Osaka described her inspiration as Victorian-era fashion, though she admitted she wasn't sure of the correct term for the puffy back detail. The style she was referring to is likely bustles, padded undergarments popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. After the walk-on, she removed the train and jacket and handed them to a ball kid before facing Donna Vekic on Court Simonne-Mathieu. Osaka won 7-6 (1), 6-4 to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time since 2019.
“I like to keep people on their toes and I think it’s really fun,” Osaka said in her post-match interview. “There’s a community I feel like that’s been built over my on-court outfits. So I just like to just keep you guys guessing.” For her opening match two days earlier, Osaka walked on in a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice before revealing her gold dress, which she said reminded her of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.
The Fashion Statement
Osaka's fashion choices at this French Open have been a deliberate blend of sport and spectacle. The gold bomber jacket and ivory train were complemented by a sequined dress that caught the light as she moved. The entire presentation took several minutes, with Osaka posing for photographers and engaging with the crowd before the match began. She has often described her walk-ons as a moment to feel like an entertainer rather than an athlete.
“Athletes are in show business,” Osaka said after beating Laura Siegemund in her opener. “Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in tennis where players increasingly use fashion to express personality and build brand value. Serena Williams, for example, made headlines with her catsuit and tutu at previous French Opens, and Osaka is following that tradition.
The Controversy
Not everyone appreciated the fashion show. Siegemund, Osaka's first-round opponent, told Eurosport Germany that the extended walk-ons were “yet another example of big names being treated differently” in tennis. She said she didn't mind the outfits but found it “a bit problematic” that Osaka took so long to prepare while lesser-known players faced pressure to unpack their gear quickly to avoid time violations. “I came here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show,” Siegemund added after losing.
Osaka has been a target of criticism before for her off-court activities, including her mental health breaks and commercial endorsements. But many fans and fellow players defended her right to express herself. Vekic, her second-round opponent, said: “It’s just something different. Some people take tennis way too seriously. Just relax. It’s just an outfit. She has an opportunity to do that so why not.” The debate highlights the tension between tradition and modernity in tennis, where the sport's conservative roots often clash with players' desire for individuality.
Osaka's Journey at Roland Garros
Osaka's success at the French Open has been limited compared to her triumphs on hard courts. She won the US Open in 2018 and 2020, and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, but clay has always been her most challenging surface. This year's run to the third round marks her best performance in Paris since 2019, when she reached the third round before losing to Sofia Kenin. After that, she missed the 2020 tournament due to injury and withdrew in 2021 amid her mental health struggles.
Her return to Roland Garros has been emotional. She gave birth to her daughter in 2023 and returned to professional tennis in early 2024. The French Open represents a significant milestone in her comeback. “It means a lot,” she said after the Vekic win. “I just feel so grateful. It’s another milestone.” Osaka has been open about the challenges of balancing motherhood and elite sport, and her fashion choices are part of reclaiming her identity on the court.
Naomi Osaka's Off-Court Style
Off the court, Osaka is known for her eclectic style, often mixing high-end designer pieces with streetwear. She has collaborated with brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton, and her fashion influence extends beyond tennis. In 2021, she launched her own swimwear line, and she frequently uses her platform to advocate for social justice causes. Her French Open outfits are designed in collaboration with her sponsor, Yonex, and reflect her growing interest in fashion as a form of self-expression.
“I want to show that you can be athletic and beautiful at the same time,” Osaka once said in an interview. “Tennis is a sport, but it's also a performance. The outfits are part of that performance.” This philosophy has won her a legion of young fans who see her as a role model for authenticity and confidence.
The Bigger Picture: Fashion in Tennis
Tennis has a long history of fashion controversies. In the 1970s, Billie Jean King wore shorts instead of a skirt, and in the 1990s, Andre Agassi's denim shorts and colorful outfits broke tradition. More recently, Serena Williams' catsuit at the 2018 French Open was banned by the French Tennis Federation, sparking a debate about women's bodies and dress codes. Osaka's ensembles are within the rules, but they push the boundaries of what is considered appropriate for match play.
Some traditionalists argue that tennis should focus on the sport, not the spectacle. But others see fashion as a vital part of attracting new audiences to the game. The French Open, in particular, has embraced this trend, with its late-afternoon matches often accompanied by dramatic lighting and music. Osaka's walk-ons are a natural fit for such an atmosphere.
Her third-round opponent will face not only her powerful serve and groundstrokes but also the buzz surrounding her wardrobe. Osaka has not confirmed whether she has a new outfit for every possible match, but she has hinted that more surprises are in store. “You’ll have to tune in to find out,” she said with a smile. For now, the tennis world is watching — not just for the tennis, but for the next curtain call.
Source: Yahoo Sports News