Naomi Osaka is making a splash with her distinctive style as she makes her anticipated return to the US Open. The 26-year-old tennis star’s court attire is turning heads and breaking away from traditional tennis fashion norms.
Osaka’s walk-on outfit features an eye-catching skirt that flares out dramatically thanks to a tulle petticoat, setting it apart from the typically sleek designs of modern tennis wear. Ahead of the tournament, she showcased a black bomber jacket with an oversized white bow in promotional images. A lighter lime variant also made an appearance during her first-round match against Jeļena Ostapenko. Although she removed the jacket during the game, she kept the whimsical theme with a bow tied at the back of her vibrant green tiered skirt and additional bows on her sneakers.
In a statement from Nike, Osaka shared the inspiration behind her outfit, stating, “The inspiration that fueled the look for me — and this might be a Japanese term — is feeling like a ‘magical girl’ on the court.” She expressed her desire for those viewing her outfit to connect with the joy she feels while playing.
The frilly outfit, created by designer Yoon Ahn for Nike, draws inspiration from the Japanese Lolita goth fashion community. Since her withdrawals from major tournaments in 2021, Osaka has prioritized her mental health and welcomed her daughter Shai in July 2023. Recently, she shared her struggles with feeling disconnected from her body since becoming a mother, explaining that her challenges on the court have been compounded by this experience.
Despite facing difficulties, Osaka remains committed to her journey and is motivated to improve her game. This US Open marks her return to the tournament for the first time since 2022.
Osaka’s unique and colorful outfits reflect a broader trend in fashion that embraces youthful femininity and girlhood. Ahn mentioned that Osaka’s inspiration is part of a wider movement celebrating bold and playful styles, stating, “It’s really about owning the cutesy-ness and the girly-hood.”
The current fashion scene is seeing a resurgence of feminine elements, as exemplified by various collaborations and the designs of brands that incorporate playful motifs. Osaka noted, “I think there’s something quite cool in making that an emphasis, especially here in New York. In New York, the tennis court is more like a stage.”
Shifting norms in fashion also parallel changes in societal expectations, as seen with figures like Ella Emhoff, who wore a striking tulle dress at the Democratic National Convention. Ahn emphasized the empowering aspect of Osaka’s on-court look, aiming to embody a confident expression of femininity through her designs.
This narrative signifies a new era where women can express their individuality through fashion, aligning with Osaka’s philosophy and the evolving landscape of women’s sports attire.