BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka made a dramatic entrance at the French Open, turning heads with a dazzling Paris-inspired outfit before securing a straight-sets victory over Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the opening round.
Stepping onto Court Suzanne-Lenglen, Osaka wore a striking black corset paired with a flowing pleated skirt layered over a sparkling gold tennis dress designed by Nike. The shimmering outfit reflected the Paris sunshine and immediately became one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.
After her 6-3, 7-6(3) win, Osaka revealed the inspiration behind the look, comparing it to the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night.
“It’s very couture,” she said. “When the lights hit the dress, it reminded me of the Eiffel Tower sparkling.”
The outfit was created alongside Swiss designer Kevin Germanier, known for sustainable fashion and bold designs. Osaka explained that fashion has become a way for her to express herself beyond tennis.
“I feel like I can speak through my clothes,” she said. “I love being loud with colors, patterns, and fabrics.”
Osaka also praised iconic sisters Serena Williams and Venus Williams for inspiring memorable fashion moments in tennis, saying she hopes younger fans will connect with her own style choices in the same way.
Not everyone shared the excitement. Siegemund dismissed the attention surrounding Osaka’s outfit, saying she was focused only on playing tennis rather than “putting on a fashion show.”
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka praised Osaka’s confidence and individuality, applauding her for bringing creativity and personality onto the court.
Despite the buzz surrounding her fashion statement, Osaka’s main focus remains her performance at French Open, where she is aiming to reach the fourth round for the first time in her career. She will next face Croatian star Donna Vekić in the second round.
