Naomi Osaka made a striking fashion statement at Roland Garros as she opened her French Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Germany’s Laura Siegemund. The four-time Grand Slam champion arrived at Court Suzanne-Lenglen wearing a black corset and a pleated cascading skirt layered over a shimmering gold Nike tennis dress. The outfit, covered in sequins and designed to stand out in Paris sunlight, drew immediate attention from fans and broadcasters alike.
After her 6-3, 7-6(3) win, Osaka explained that the look was meant to feel “very couture” and said it reminded her of the Eiffel Tower at night because of its sparkling effect. She described the ensemble as a tribute to France and to high fashion, a creative expression she has increasingly embraced on and off the court. Osaka said she likes using clothing to communicate because she does not talk much, adding that fashion allows her to be “as loud” as she wants through colors, patterns and fabric.
The Japanese star worked with Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, who is known for sustainable fashion and upcycled materials. Osaka said it was important to find a designer who understood her style and the image she wanted to present. She also noted that she hoped her outfits could inspire younger fans who connect with tennis through style as well as sport, pointing to the memorable entrances and looks of Serena and Venus Williams as major influences on her own fashion identity.
Osaka admitted she had a practical concern about the dress during play, saying she worried the reflective material might draw a warning from the umpire because of the way sunlight bounced off it. To prepare for that possibility, she had two backup standard Nike dresses ready. Even with the extra attention surrounding her entrance, Osaka kept her focus on competition and moved confidently into the second round.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka praised Osaka’s bold style, saying she loved the way Osaka expresses herself and brings that confidence onto the court. Sabalenka said tennis has room for fashion and that Osaka is helping showcase that freedom. Siegemund, however, dismissed the spectacle, saying she was there to play tennis rather than participate in a fashion show.
Osaka’s appearance added another chapter to her growing reputation as one of the sport’s most distinctive style figures. She has recently drawn attention for her fashion choices at the US Open, the Australian Open and the Met Gala. On the court, though, her objective remains clear: Osaka is aiming to reach the French Open’s later rounds for the first time in her career. Her next test is a second-round match against 2024 Olympic singles silver medalist Donna Vekić.
