Naomi Osaka came prepared for pushback when she stepped onto the court at the French Open wearing a dazzling yellow-brown and gold dress, packing plain alternatives just in case tournament officials raised concerns about her fashion choice.
The Japanese tennis star elevated the style game in Paris during the third day of competition, making her entrance on Court Suzanne Lenglen wearing a black Kevin Germanier skirt before revealing her shimmering layered Nike competition outfit for her match against Laura Siegemund on Tuesday.
“When I first saw the match dress in real life, I felt I look like the Eiffel Tower at night, when it’s bright,” Osaka shared with media following her 6-3 7-6(3) victory.
“I actually got a little worried, because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. So I was a little scared that the umpire was going to kick me off the court.”
“So I got two backup normal Nike dresses… thank God I didn’t have to wear them, though. I thought that the reflection of the dress was really beautiful, but it just reminded me of the Eiffel Tower a little bit.”
The tennis player, who previously caught attention with a jellyfish-themed outfit at this year’s Australian Open, acknowledged she’s grown comfortable with her reputation as a fashion trendsetter on the women’s professional circuit.
“I’m a little used to it now. I think in Australia … the Yoon (Ahn) Ambush dress first started it all off (in 2024). The U.S. Open, the roses in my hair (last year), that’s when I started to really get into it a lot more,” she explained.
“In Australia (this year), it was a real conversation starter. I don’t really feel like it’s a big deal to do that and then play after. I can see where people think I feel a little stressed or whatever. I think that’s the thing about it.”
“Sometimes people say athletes are in show business or are entertainers, or whatever. I feel like for me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel I’m an entertainer.”
Osaka expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of style icon and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams making a comeback to professional tennis.
The 44-year-old American hasn’t competed since the 2022 U.S. Open, following which she announced she was “evolving away from tennis,” but has sparked comeback rumors after rejoining the sport’s anti-doping program last year.
“Just to see her around the sites and playing matches again I think is really cool for tennis,” Osaka commented.
“I would be excited to see her outfits again, too. But also her playing. I think she’s one of the best players in the world, of course.”
