Key Highlights
- Naomi Osaka debuted two different couture outfits during her first-round match at the 2026 French Open.
- The outfits included a black corset and pleated skirt layered over a gold Nike dress, and a cream cascading skirt paired with an oversized golden jacket.
- Osaka has been known for blending high fashion into her tennis attire, following in the footsteps of Venus and Serena Williams.
- She recently attended the Met Gala between the Madrid and Italian Opens to further engage with the world of fashion.
The Fashionista on Court: Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam Style
Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam champion, has once again brought couture and tennis together in a stunning display at the 2026 French Open. The 28-year-old Japanese star strayed from her usual all-black ensemble to make a statement on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
For her first-round match against Laura Siegemund, Osaka wore a black corset and pleated skirt layered over a gold Nike dress that shimmered in the Parisian sunshine. This was part of an outfit designed with couturier Kevin Germanier, who also worked on her second round appearance featuring a slightly oversized golden jacket and a cream cascading skirt.
A Homage to Tradition
Osaka’s fashion choices are not just about personal expression; they’re a nod to the legacy of Venus and Serena Williams. Both sisters have long been known for their boundary-pushing designs, which have defined an era in tennis fashion. By collaborating directly with couturiers like Germanier and even attending events such as the Met Gala, Osaka is keeping the tradition alive.
“I feel like fashion, for me, I tell people, I don’t talk a lot, so that way I can talk through my clothes,” Osaka said during her post-match press conference. “That means I can be as loud with colors or patterns or fabric as I want. That’s the fun part.”
The Practical Side of Glamour
While the outfits are undeniably glamorous, they come with practical considerations too. The gold dress glittered so brightly that Osaka had to keep an eye on her umpire for fear it might distract Siegemund. As a result, she carried two backup Nike dresses: “Thank God I didn’t have to wear them, though,” she said with a smile.
Despite the potential distractions, Osaka’s game remained strong. She won 6-3, 7-6(3) against Siegemund, a match that was expected to be more challenging given Siegemund’s ability to disrupt opponents’ rhythm with her slice-laden game and unconventional playing style.
A Career Highlight
This isn’t the first time Osaka has made headlines for her fashion choices. At the Australian Open in January, she walked out in a dreamy ensemble by couturier Robert Wun that evoked jellyfish and featured both entrance and on-court outfits. The outfit was followed by another custom Nike kit with couture accessories at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
As Osaka aims to make it past the third round of the French Open for the first time since 2019, her fashion statements continue to captivate audiences and inspire discussions beyond the tennis court.
