Osaka’s French Open Fashion Continues to Draw Attention
Naomi Osaka has once again become a focal point at the French Open, this time for her choice of attire during a third-round match. The Japanese tennis star made her entrance for Saturday morning’s clash against Iga Świątek in a striking, flowing dress that required removal on court before play could commence. This latest sartorial statement follows a similar incident earlier in the tournament.
Past Outfits and Opponent’s Reaction
Just days prior, Osaka’s first-round opponent, Laura Siegemund, voiced her reservations about the player’s elaborate outfits, deeming them “problematic.” Siegemund, who was defeated by Osaka, expressed frustration not with the designs themselves, but with the time allocated for Osaka to disrobe and prepare for play. On Saturday, Osaka was met with applause from the crowd as she took to the court in her detachable ensemble and again when she removed the outer elements.
One observer on social media platform X described the costume as “just so stupid,” highlighting the divided opinions surrounding Osaka’s fashion choices at Roland Garros, a city renowned for its style.
Details of the Controversial Attire
Osaka, a highly-ranked player, sported a custom Nike creation that some likened to the iconic Eiffel Tower. The ensemble featured a sequined, glittery gold design, complemented by a ceremonial black skirt and a sleeveless beaded bodice, which she wore for her walk-on. These latter two items were subsequently removed before the match began.
Siegemund’s Concerns Regarding Match Rules
Laura Siegemund, speaking after her match, stated, “I come here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show. And if others want to put on a fashion show, then they should go ahead and do it. That’s totally fine with me.” She elaborated on her specific issue, explaining, “I find something else problematic. In our sport, at every tournament they count every second, right up until you’ve unpacked your water bottle. But she can have a minute-and-a-half to change. I have a problem with that, because these rules simply exist and they are what they are – every second is now being watched so closely for us.” Siegemund added, “And I also think that with performances like these, every second should be accounted for. That’s the only thing regarding the rules that I don’t think is OK and where, once again, bigger names are treated differently.”
Osaka’s Perspective on Her Fashion Statements
Reflecting on her outfit, Osaka described it as “very couture.” She explained her inspiration, saying, “You know the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s sparkly. I kind of think I look like that a little bit.” She elaborated on her perspective, stating, “I don’t really feel like it’s too much of a big deal to do that and then play after [in terms of making a fashion statement and then playing tennis]. I could see where people would think I feel a little stressed or whatever. I think that’s kind of the thing about it.”
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, also commented on the perception of athletes as entertainers. “Like sometimes people say athletes are, like, in show business or entertainers or whatever. I feel like for me, grand slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer.”
Concerns About Reflectivity and Backup Options
Osaka, who previously wore a jellyfish-inspired dress at the Australian Open in January, mentioned that her primary concern with the glittering French Open dress was its potential to be overly reflective in the sun. “When I first saw it, I felt like I look like the Eiffel Tower at nighttime when it’s bright,” she recalled. “Then I actually got a little worried because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot, so I was a little scared the umpire was going to kick me off the court.” She also confirmed that she had backup options, stating, “I got two back-up, normal dresses – thankfully I didn’t have to wear them.”
