Former Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka makes statement with 'wildest outfit in tennis history' during Rod Laver Arena opener
WTATuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:23
Naomi Osaka is quite a mild mannered person when it comes to her interviews and off the court persona but she certainly knows how to make a statement on it and she did so during the Australian Open in a moment that is bound to go viral.
Osaka took to the court to face off against Antonia Ruzic in a match that is looking likely as of time of writing to head towards a third set and it was the outfit that really turned heads whether the match does or not regardless of the result.
The Japanese superstar who has previously won the Australian Open still gets top billing at the tournament and headlines alongside Jannik Sinner in the night session and given that spot to shine, she produced the outfit to match.
She is one of the sport's biggest and most lucrative names in regards to sponsorships and eyes on her so it made sense as she produced a moment that will live long in the memory even post her opening round.
Pure theatre and back to a bygone era
As Osaka walked through the pathway onto Rod Laver Arena, she was holding a white umbrella and wearing a white veil over a wide white brimmed hat. Of course this was only for the walk onto the court and wasn't to play in as she had a frilly blue and white Nike kit underneath it.
With her head bowed, she gave the look of a geisha with a butterfly added to it which is a nod to when one famously landed on her face during the 2021 tournament. A reel of the outfit was posted on her Instagram almost immediately afterwards and
“There’s a little Great Gatsby about it. It’s pure theatre,” Australian great Todd Woodbridge said on Nine’s coverage.
“That’s bringing the theatre and the entertainment to Rod Laver Arena and centre court. It’s a big statement early on.”
Laura Robson on TNT said it's a vibe. “I love it, this is a moment.”
While Sam Smith said that it was almost like a throwback to a bygone era.
“The first tennis and global (female) sports star was a lady called Suzanne Lenglen, who had that huge bandana,” Smith said.
“In the 1920s, she was France’s best player. She played alongside Daphne Akhurst, after whom this trophy is named.
“And I think if she was looking down now from tennis heaven, she would be admiring Naomi Osaka and the way she has brought fashion to the court tonight.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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