Naomi Osaka drew attention with another striking Grand Slam walk-on, combining fashion, symbolism and performance in a display that underlined her status as one of tennis’s most distinctive stars. The outer black pieces of the outfit were designed by Kevin Germanier, who is known for his sustainable approach to fashion, while the gold dress was custom made by Nike. Osaka said that while athletes are often described as entertainers or part of show business, she sees Grand Slam entrances as the only moment when she truly feels like an entertainer.
Her latest appearance continued a pattern of bold presentation at major tournaments. At the Australian Open in January, Osaka arrived in a jellyfish-inspired outfit that she dedicated to her two-year-old daughter, Shai. The look once again highlighted how Osaka uses fashion to express personality, creativity and personal meaning on court, alongside her tennis.
Former British number one Annabel Croft said many players would struggle to meet the expectations that come with walking out in such elaborate custom-made clothing. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, Croft said that if a player appears in an extraordinary outfit, they have to have the confidence to back it up with strong tennis and also entertain the crowd. She added that Osaka is well equipped for that pressure, describing her as someone who loves the spotlight and is not fazed by it.
Osaka’s ability to combine image and performance has been matched by her return to top-level form since becoming a mother. After the birth of her daughter in 2023, she has rebuilt her place among the game’s elite and is now back inside the world’s top 20. Her progress has included a run to the semi-finals of the US Open in September, a sign that she has regained both confidence and competitiveness on the biggest stages.
The former world number one will next face Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the next round, with Osaka’s blend of style and substance once again likely to draw significant attention. Her presence continues to stand out not just because of her results, but because of the way she has made her Grand Slam entrances part of her identity. For Osaka, the stage is as much about the spectacle as the tennis, and she appears comfortable embracing both.
/https://i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_59edd422c0c84a879bd37670ae4f538a/internal_photos/bs/2026/i/p/EcPc9lSkqrcO4zKLp6Mw/alexandre-borges.jpg "Alexandre Borges Enfrenta Desafio e Se Aproxima dos Pais em Santos")