Naomi Osaka has revealed a visit to Japan as a 13-year-old and the Williams sisters helped inspire the outfit she wore when she stepped onto court at the Australian Open.
Osaka’s entrance to Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday evening will be remembered for some time.
Ahead of facing Antonia Ružić in their first-round match, Osaka wore a white hat and veil, matched by flowing pants and an umbrella in the same colour.
Once the two-time Australian Open champion took off the pants, she showed off a ruffled dress dominated by turquoise, which she wore in her 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win over Ružić.
Osaka’s entrance set social media alight, while those inside Rod Laver Arena were left in awe.
During her on-court interview following the match, the former world number one said the outfit — which was “months in the planning” alongside designer Robert Wun and Nike — drew inspiration from jellyfish and butterflies.
Butterflies feature as it was a nod to a viral moment from her successful 2021 Australian Open campaign.
Later, 16th seed Osaka — who was born in the US but represents Japan — expanded on the inspiration behind her fashion statement.
“When I was 13, I went to Japan for the first time,” Osaka told her post-match media conference at Melbourne Park.
“I went to Harajuku. It felt like people could be themselves with their clothes.”
Naomi Osaka had full confidence in what she wore onto Rod Laver Arena. (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Osaka also credited Serena and Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova for their on-court style.
“I grew up with the GOATs of style — Serena, Venus, Sharapova,” Osaka said.
“People don’t talk about her enough, but [also] Bethanie Mattek-Sands, too. She made it work with what she had.
“I think it all comes down to personality, too. I don’t expect someone that’s really reserved to freaking put a veil on their head and go out and play their match.
“I’ve seen people with bows in their hair. I think like that’s always going to be the first step into something.
“I’m always curious to see what is the next thing.”
‘I almost feel like I’m a Barbie’
Naomi Osaka’s fashion statement extended to her warm-up outfit. (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Osaka said her fashion sense reflected the layers of her personality.
“For me, I feel like when I step on the court, I’m not the ‘me’ that you’re talking to right now,” she said.
“I would never yell, ‘C’mon’, that loud in a normal setting.
“I almost feel like I’m a Barbie that dresses up and goes on the court and does something.
“When I come back in the locker room is when I’m like my true quiet Naomi.”
Naomi Osaka moved through to the second round with her win over Antonia Ružić. (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Osaka’s outfit divided opinion on social media, but she was adamant she did not worry what other people thought.
“I realise I’m a little strange because I don’t really think I care,” she said.
“Like, for me, I just feel like I want to do things that create joy and happiness.
“Obviously, I really love fashion. That makes me excited to wake up and do the whole walk-on or whatever.Â
“It just creates a little bit more joy in that whole match preparation.”
The was only one moment of apprehension for Osaka before she entered Rod Laver Arena and it had to do with her umbrella.
“The scariest thing for me was I didn’t know if the umbrella could fit in the tunnel,” Osaka said.