Naomi Osaka caught everyone’s attention even before she started playing at the Australian Open with her dramatic entrance. The Japanese star made a fashion statement with her Nike outfit, and it got the attention of Aryna Sabalenka, as the world No. 1 also shared her thoughts on Osaka’s bold look while hinting at her own ideas.
Aryna Sabalenka Teases Classier Alternative to Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open Outfit
Osaka wore a seafoam appliqué dress over pleated white pants and finished her look with a winged white hat, a veil, and a parasol. Apart from winning the first round against Antonia Ružić 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, the world No. 17’s fashion made headlines in the tennis world.
The outfit earned praise from fellow players, including Sabalenka, who herself has designed an outfit inspired by Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams for this AO. As the Belarusian is known for her interest in fashion, she was asked about her thoughts on Osaka’s entrance outfit during her post-match press conference.
Sabalenka said the look reflected Osaka’s personality, background, and sense of freedom. “You know, that’s really beautiful about fashion that you can express yourself in any way, and it’s pretty free world. There is no judgment,” she said.
“There is just… like one people see fashion in one way, other people see fashion in other way. That’s why it’s so beautiful that you can feel free and go and show yourself, show your personality and I think yesterday it was a perfect fit of her personality, her culture, a lot of things,” Sabalenka added.
When asked if she would ever try something similar, Sabalenka made it clear her style would be different. She mentioned that creative entrances often depend on brand ideas, but said she would lean toward something more “classy.”
“For me, I mean, I wish Nike would let me do this kind of stuff, but not for this year. But we are working on it. But I don’t know, I think I would be more like classy entrance, you know. Maybe I don’t know, maybe long coat, or I don’t know. I mean, I was fantasizing… I was trying to work it out, but not good enough yet,” Sabalenka said.
However, she confirmed nothing is planned for this year.
Osaka’s Entrance Outfit Carried a Meaningful Story
Osaka’s outfit, created in partnership with London designer Robert Wun and Nike, was designed to tell a story. “It feels like armor, and at times, fantasy. It reminds me that I’m not just walking out as an athlete, but as a whole person,” Osaka told Vogue.
Butterflies placed on her hat and parasol added another personal touch. They referenced her memorable 2021 Australian Open moment, when a butterfly landed on her face during a match. Osaka carried it away before continuing the game and went on to win the title that year.
The jellyfish theme had an even deeper meaning. It was inspired by a children’s book she had been reading with her daughter, Shai.
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“Honestly, it came together quite beautifully because I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here. Then it just felt like everywhere I looked, the theme was water. Obviously, the walkout was like you see oceans and waves. I thought that it was really beautiful. Really amazing coincidence,” Osaka said after the match.
