Naomi Osaka
Floats In Like a Jellyfish
Leaves Aussie Open Wowed
Published
Courtesy of Australian Open
Naomi Osaka didn’t just show up to the Australian Open — she made waves.
The four-time Grand Slam champ made a jaw-dropping entrance on Tuesday at Rod Laver Arena, rocking a full jellyfish-inspired outfit that had fans doing double takes and announcers scrambling for words.
Tennis? Fashion show? The whole thing looked less like a first-round match and more like a high-fashion aquarium takeover.
And yes, it was all her idea.
“Nike let me design this one. It’s modeled after a jellyfish,” Osaka said after the match. “I’m so grateful that I get to do the things that I love. Yeah, it’s really beautiful.”
Her fashionable entrance involved a wide-brimmed hat, veil and white umbrella — all inspired by a book Osaka was reading to her 2-year-old daughter.
It was designed by London-based stylist Robert Wun, who has dressed artists like Beyoncé, Cardi B and Ariana Grande.
“There’s a butterfly on the hat. There’s a butterfly on the umbrella, too,” Osaka explained. “It has to do with the Australian Open I won in 2021, which I guess is a long time ago.”
During that 2021 title run, a butterfly famously landed on her mid-match. She paused play when it perched on her leg before she gently removed it … until the creature flew into the air again and rested on her nose.
Wearing a blue tie-dye tracksuit jacket with ruffles, Osaka went on to win Tuesday’s match 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 — she will play again in the second round on Thursday.
One day in, Osaka turned the tennis tournament into her personal runway.