Naomi Osaka made sure all eyes were on her at the French Open. It started with her bold fashion statement and ended with her winning performance.
Winning Fit
The four-time Grand Slam champion dazzled fans at Roland Garros with a dramatic outfit reveal before defeating Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6(3) in the first round. Osaka arrived at Court Suzanne-Lenglen on May 26 wearing a black corset-style ensemble with a flowing pleated skirt before stripping it away to unveil a sparkling gold Nike tennis dress underneath.
Osaka later explained the inspiration behind the sequined outfit, comparing it to the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night.
“Honestly, it’s very couture,” Osaka said after the win. “You know the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s sparkly? I kind of think I look like that a little bit.”
The show-stopping look was created in collaboration with Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, who is known for sustainable couture and bold designs using upcycled materials. Reports surrounding the outfit estimated the full custom look carried a luxury-level value, with some fashion observers comparing its impact to red carpet couture pieces often seen at the Met Gala. The one-of-a-kind ensemble reportedly carried a price tag of about $150,000.
The world No. 16 battled through a competitive straight-sets match against Siegemund to secure her spot in the second round.
After losing to Osaka, Siegemund made it clear she was not impressed by the attention surrounding Osaka’s dramatic outfit reveal. Speaking to TNT Sports, Siegemund snapped, “I came here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show.”
She also complained that Osaka was allowed extra time on court to remove the elaborate pre-match outfit.
Osaka, who has an estimated net worth of $120 million, however said fashion allows her to communicate creatively in ways she normally doesn’t off the court.
Osaka’s fashion and business partnerships include high-profile deals with Nike and luxury brands Louis Vuitton. She also serves as a brand ambassador for TAG Heuer, OLLY, and Sweetgreen. Off the court, she runs her own production company called Hana Kuma and the skin-care brand Kinlò.
“I tell people I don’t talk a lot, so that way I can talk through my clothes,” she explained during her press conference. “I can be as loud with colors or patterns or fabric as I want.”
I have the utmost respect and admiration for this excellent athlete who refuses to be bullied for either her personal choices or self expression. Yeah Naomi! You ❤️ go girl, you rock
Absolutely love this young lady!!
Well maybe a fashion show would have been more successful for her. I love this dor Naomi.
You didn’t come to win either. You got trounced!
It is evident that NAOMI’S opponent wasn’t there to win, because she got her ass WHUPPED( a beat-down in a FRENCH town🤣 )!!! Tell her to go back across the track &
work on the slack that she did lack to defeat the BEAUTIFUL, TENNIS BLACK. ( ” THE ONE & ONLY, THE
SUPERB, STRONGLY, NAOMI!!! ” )🌹💯💐✊
You Go Girl! Bring it err- time. No time for haters, you got another round to play.
Life is short! I say ‘do you’, and express yourself in a way that makes you happy, as long as it is not compromising anyone else’s! Kudos to this exceptional athlete! 💋
A Gladiator coming to slay!
Love her grand entrance and amazing win! Yay Naomi!
Dear Siege, you’re worried about the wrong thing. Thank you Naomi for being unapologetically you😘☺️
What a childish and petty comment! Germans are far too serious. Siegemund is both unfashionable AND a loser. She’s ranked 47th and missed two consecutive break points. She should be happy she was even there.
This is who we are. IT GOES BACK TO BEING STRIPPED OF EVERYTHING AND HUMILIATED IN EVERYWAY POSSIBLE!!! WE TOOK BACK OUR POWER BY EXCELLING IN CUISINE, SPORTS, FASHION, ENTERTAINMENT AND ACADEMICS WITH THE SCRAPS GIVEN TO US!!!!! Although we created and dominate the fashion game we aren’t the ones who profit most, as per usual! Fashion builds you up makes you feel great and allows self expression! NAOMI DIDN’T COME FOR A FASHION SHOW EITHER, SHE CAME TO WIN, AND DID!!!! NOTHING WRONG WITH LOOKING AND FEELING GREAT WHILE DOING IT.
I love the confidence of a person that values and respects their identity
BLM
LET HER COOK! 🔥❣️💯