Naomi Osaka didn’t just return to the Australian Open—she made sure no one could miss her arrival.
Now THAT is an Australian Open fashion statement.
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) January 20, 2026
Naomi Osaka entering Rod Laver Arena 👏#AO26 pic.twitter.com/UTkCmR5Jj1
When the two-time champion stepped onto Rod Laver Arena for her first-round match, the stadium buzzed before a single ball was struck.
Osaka emerged in a dramatic, custom-designed ensemble that turned her walk to the baseline into a full-on moment.
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Her face was partially concealed beneath a wide-brimmed hat and flowing white veil, paired with a matching umbrella that added to the theatrical reveal. Flared trousers completed the look, which she later removed ahead of warm-ups, unveiling a second layer: a pre-match jacket trimmed with feathers.
The outfit was so elaborate that Osaka didn’t even carry her own rackets onto the court, instead handing them off as she completed her entrance.
The visual contrast was striking at the coin toss, where her opponent, Antonia Ruzic, appeared in standard match gear—T-shirt and shorts—while Osaka’s arrival dominated the moment.
The scene drew instant reactions from the broadcast booth. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson summed it up succinctly on TNT Sports, saying, “It’s a vibe. I love it, this is a moment.” Alongside her, Tim Henman joked that he was “not qualified to comment,” before adding, “Wow, I am speechless. It’s pretty cool. Does it put pressure on your performance?”
If there was any pressure, it didn’t show early. Osaka opened the tennis match sharply, racing through the first three games and taking the opening set 6–3. Ruzic pushed back in the second, matching that scoreline to level the contest and remind everyone that the night wasn’t only about fashion.
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Osaka entered the tournament as the No. 16 seed, continuing a steady climb since her return to competition after becoming a mother in 2023. Last season, she reached the US Open semifinals, her deepest run at a major since stepping away from the sport.