Naomi Osaka stunned tennis fans across the globe as she entered the court for her first round match at the Australian Open in January.
Walking into Rod Laver to face Antonia Ruzic, Osaka was dressed in a jaw-dropping jellyfish-inspired outfit.
The outfit, which was adorned with ruffles, received a mixed response from onlookers; some loved the boldness of Osaka’s outfit, while others labelled the dress as ‘classless.’
Speaking to reporters about the outfit, Osaka said: “Nike let me design this one. I’m so grateful I get to be able to do the things that I love. It’s really beautiful.”
Laura Robson has since reacted to the outfit, describing how she felt when the Japanese star walked into Rod Laver Arena.
Laura Robson says she ‘loved’ Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open outfit
In an interview with Sky Sports, the former Wimbledon junior champion expressed her delight at witnessing Osaka’s extravagant outfit.
“It was so funny because it was so unexpected,” Robson began.
“”She always comes out in a cool outfit, but I don’t think any of us were expecting the full veil with the combination of the umbrella and everything.
But I loved it, it was something different and it was something easy to talk about which we appreciate with an outfit.
“It gave us a good topic of conversation, so I hope she carries it on and we see something equally fun for Roland Garros.
“I would much rather see a fun outfit that’s interesting and easy to talk about than the exact same old thing. I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all.”
Coco Gauff, the two-time Grand Slam champion, has also previously expressed her approval of Osaka’s bold attire.
“That was an insane arrival, and I thought it was really cool,” she said during the Australian Open. “I think what she’s doing for the sport and the fashion is cool and bringing new eyes to the sport.”
Osaka went on to reach the third round in Melbourne, before withdrawing ahead of her match with Maddison Inglis due to an abdominal injury.
Naomi Osaka’s Indian Wells title
In 2018, Naomi Osaka won her first and only title to date at Indian Wells.
The Japanese star, a winner of four Grand Slam titles, beat Maria Sharapova, Agnieszka Radwańska, Sacha Vickery, Maria Sakkari, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep and Daria Kasatkina to win the 2018 Indian Wells Open.
After beating Kasatkina in the final, Osaka told reporters: “I mean, I was kind of nervous, like, that entire game because it kept going back and forth.
“But I’m really glad I was able to finish on my serve instead of having to break her or something like that. Yeah, it felt good.”
Osaka has won one other WTA 1000 title in her career so far: the 2019 China Open.
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