Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka recently made waves by donning a unique Jellyfish-inspired Nike dress at the 2026 Australian Open. While the bold look divided fan opinion, drawing criticism from some and praise from others, Osaka remained unfazed, later offering a blunt response that dismissed the backlash surrounding her outfit.
Beyond her commanding presence on court, Osaka is equally recognized for the distinctive fashion statements she delivers at Grand Slams, and fans eagerly look forward to them. Since 2019, the Japanese star has worn outfits and footwear exclusively designed by Nike at every tournament.
Naomi Osaka Makes Honest Admission After Making Waves With Her Unique Nike Jellyfish-Inspired Australian Open Dress
Osaka has consistently used Grand Slam stages to tell visual stories through her outfits, from sunflower-inspired ensembles in Melbourne to a sakura-themed look that paid tribute to her Japanese roots at Roland Garros, and later, rose-adorned designs at the US Open.
That tradition continued this year when her 2026 Australian Open attire surfaced online and quickly set social media abuzz. The teal, marbled ensemble, highlighted with white and blue accents and layered frills, was inspired by a jellyfish, an idea Osaka drew from a book she was reading to her two-year-old daughter, Shai.
As noted, while many admired the concept, it also drew its share of criticism. Osaka made a special entrance for her first-round clash against Antonia Ružić inside Rod Laver Arena, unveiling a coordinated blue tie-dye tracksuit jacket paired with white wide-leg trousers, both detailed with ruffled accents. Completing the look, she carried a white umbrella and wore a matching hat.
Responding to the backlash, Osaka delivered a blunt reply on Threads. “I hope people realize I genuinely don’t care. I’m going to do the things that make me happy,” she wrote.
Osaka later shared her excitement on the same platform, loving that fans are wearing her jellyfish dress and that Nike is selling her first on-court outfit.
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“I’ve been seeing some videos of you guys wearing my jellyfish dress and I’m 🥹❤️🪼 the first time ever Nike is selling my on court outfit!!!” She wrote.
View on Threads
It’s worth noting that Osaka addressed the criticism of her Australian Open dress shortly after its reveal. The former World No. 1 remarked that those who are “uncultured” might not appreciate her fashion choices on the tennis court. “If you’re uncultured, you’re not going to understand my tennis outfits. The girls that get it, get it lol,” she wrote on Threads. She reposted the same message following her first-round match.
Osaka is aiming for a deep run in Melbourne. She opened her campaign with a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Ružić to reach the second round, where she will face Sorana Cîrstea. According to PFSN’s exclusive interactive simulator, Osaka holds a 56% chance of advancing to the third round.
