Several tennis fans recently reacted as Naomi Osaka’s rumored Nike kit for the 2026 Australian Open surfaced and set social media abuzz. Beyond her on-court success, the Japanese star has firmly established herself as a fashion icon, with fans eagerly anticipating her distinctive outfit choices, especially at the Grand Slams.
Her distinctive Australian Open kit quickly became a talking point, earning praise from some fans, while others compared it unfavorably to Maria Sharapova’s previous kit.
Fans Draw Maria Sharapova Comparisons As Naomi Osaka’s Rumored Australian Open Kit Surfaces
The 2025 season witnessed a clear upward trajectory for Osaka. She lifted her first title in four years at Saint-Malo, reached the final of the Canadian Open, and later impressed with a semifinal run at the US Open. Those results propelled her back into the top 20, as she closed the year ranked World No. 16.
As mentioned, the Japanese star also turned heads last year with her distinctive Nike kits. From a sunflower-inspired ensemble, complete with matching accessories, at the Australian Open, to a bold pink look and a sakura-themed dress at the French Open, Osaka consistently made fashion statements.
She carried that flair into Flushing Meadows, first commanding attention in an all-red outfit and later switching to an equally striking, dazzling purple ensemble.
With the 2026 Grand Slam season set to begin at the Australian Open, Osaka’s rumored outfit for the event has surfaced. The rumored Nike dress features a teal-and-aqua marbled base, sleeveless cut, and cascading ruffled accents, mixing fluid textures for a unique Australian Open look. However, a group of fans didn’t welcome it with open arms, instead comparing it negatively to Russian legend Sharapova’s 2019 Australian Open kit.
“It’s Sharapova AO19 dress with ugly details,” a fan said.
“it’s giving they’re trying to reheat sharapova’s nike nachos and failing miserably. ughhhh nike needs a new designer asap,” another chimed in.
“What is this under the sea moss MESS,” a fan noted.
Another fan joked, “the jellyfish that stung me in galveston two weeks ago:”
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However, a section of fans seemingly liked the design of the rumored Nike kit, with one fan writing, “ykw i actually love it😭😭😭”
“omg that’s one of the prettiest nike kits recently 😍,” a fan said.
Osaka was previously associated with German apparel giant Adidas before signing a major endorsement deal with the American brand in April 2019. Since then, the Japanese star has consistently showcased distinctive on-court styles, much like last season. It now remains to be seen whether the rumored outfit is the one the four-time Grand Slam champion will wear in Melbourne.
