Naomi Osaka made a striking fashion statement ahead of her Wimbledon debut, wearing a custom white kimono before her opening-round match. The four-time Grand Slam champion, known for her bold on-court style, found a way to incorporate her cultural heritage while adhering to Wimbledon's strict all-white dress code.
Osaka described the experience as "really fun" and noted the surprise and appreciation from fans as she walked to her court. "I thought that was really fun just because I didn't think anyone expected that," Osaka said. "I could feel when I walked by someone, they would physically turn their whole body. I thought that was really fun."
She added that she heard positive comments from spectators, with some remarking on the beauty of the kimono. "It was cool because I heard some people say, Wow, that's a really beautiful kimono and stuff like that. So it was nice."
When asked about wearing similar outfits for future matches, Osaka indicated a desire to "shake things up." However, she acknowledged that such distinctive attire can bring added pressure, as she wants to perform well enough to continue wearing it. "I wouldn't say it eases my nerves to wear these outfits because a little part of my mind wants to do well so I can continue wearing them," she explained. "Obviously, like for the French Open, you don't want to wear a ball gown and lose in the first round. That does cross my mind a little bit."
Osaka, who has re-established herself in the world's top 20 since welcoming her daughter in 2023 and reached the US Open semifinals last year, has a personal best of reaching the third round at Wimbledon. She noted that "wearing these extravagant outfits" is something she is accustomed to and that it adds an element of enjoyment to her game.