Naomi Osaka keeps bringing the fashion in Paris. For her walk-on before a second-round win at the French Open, the tennis star wore a metallic gold bomber jacket over her sequined gold playing dress, offset by an ivory train in a look that mixes sportswear with couture. The ensemble drew immediate attention on Court Simonne-Mathieu, where Osaka later defeated Donna Vekic 7-6 (1), 6-4 to reach the third round at Roland Garros for the first time since 2019.
A Fashion Statement on Court
Osaka's latest outfit was a bold departure from traditional tennis attire, blending elements of Victorian fashion with modern athletic wear. The ivory train, reminiscent of historical bustles, added a dramatic flair as she walked onto the court. After the walk-on, Osaka removed the train and jacket, handing them to a ball kid before the match began. This marked the second time in as many matches that Osaka had worn a custom ceremonial outfit. For her opening match against Laura Siegemund, she wore a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice before revealing her gold dress, which she said reminded her of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night.
Victorian Inspiration and Modern Flair
Osaka admitted after the match that she was unsure of the correct term for the train's design. “The inspo was, I don’t want to say Victorian, but you know the ladies that have the dresses with the poof in the background? It’s so terrible of me to not know the correct term of that.” The term she was looking for is likely bustles, which were padded undergarments used to add fullness to dresses in the mid to late 19th century. By incorporating historic fashion elements into her on-court look, Osaka continues to blur the lines between sports and entertainment. Her willingness to experiment with style has made her a trendsetter in tennis, influencing both fans and fellow players. Over the years, she has collaborated with major brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton, often using her platform to express her personality through fashion.
The Match and Osaka's Performance
On the court, Osaka delivered a commanding performance against Vekic. The first set went to a tiebreaker, which Osaka dominated 7-1. She then took the second set 6-4, securing her place in the third round for the first time in seven years. “It means a lot,” Osaka said after the match. “I just feel so grateful. It’s another milestone.” Her victory is particularly significant given her struggles at Roland Garros in recent years. Since winning the 2019 Australian Open and 2020 US Open, Osaka has faced challenges with form and injuries, as well as mental health considerations that led her to take breaks from the tour. The French Open has often been her toughest major, with her best result being a third-round appearance in 2019. Now, she has matched that achievement and looks poised to go further.
Debate Over Elaborate Walk-Ons
Osaka’s fashion choices have not gone unnoticed by her opponents. Laura Siegemund, whom Osaka defeated in the first round, expressed concerns about the time it takes for Osaka to prepare and walk onto the court. “I came here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show,” Siegemund said after losing. “If other people want to do a fashion show, they can do that. It’s fine for me.” Siegemund told Eurosport Germany that she found it “a bit problematic” that Osaka’s long walk-ons could create an uneven playing field, as lesser-known players are under pressure to unpack their gear quickly to avoid time violations. In contrast, Vekic had no issues with Osaka’s outfits. “It’s just something different,” Vekic said. “Some people take tennis way too seriously. Just relax. It’s just an outfit. She has an opportunity to do that so why not?”
Osaka herself views her walk-ons as part of show business. “Athletes are in show business,” she said after her first-round match. “Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer.” She enjoys keeping fans guessing, refusing to reveal if she has a new outfit for each match. “There’s a community I feel like that’s been built over my on-court outfits. So I just like to just keep you guys guessing.”
Osaka’s Journey Back to Form
Osaka’s return to the third round in Paris is a testament to her resilience. After winning her first Grand Slam at the 2018 US Open, she quickly became a global star, known for her powerful game and quiet but impactful activism. However, she has faced setbacks, including a first-round exit at the 2024 French Open and a second-round loss in 2025. Her ranking has fluctuated, but she remains one of the most marketable and influential athletes in the world. Off the court, Osaka has launched her own skincare line, a production company, and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting youth sports and mental health initiatives. Her fashion choices at this year’s French Open reflect her multifaceted identity: an elite athlete, a fashion icon, and an entertainer.
The 2026 French Open has already seen its share of surprises, including the upset elimination of Novak Djokovic by Joao Fonseca. As Osaka advances, she will face either Elena Rybakina or Elina Svitolina in the third round, a challenging but winnable matchup. Her gold dress and ivory train may be the talk of the tournament, but her tennis remains the focus. With her serving accuracy and powerful groundstrokes, she has the tools to make a deep run at Roland Garros.
Fashion as Identity in Tennis
Osaka is not the first tennis player to use fashion as a form of self-expression. Serena Williams famously wore a catsuit at the 2018 French Open, which sparked debate about performance wear and modesty. Novak Djokovic has experimented with unique patterns, and Maria Sharapova often collaborated with designers for her on-court looks. However, Osaka’s approach is distinct: she treats each walk-on as a theatrical moment, building anticipation and creating a narrative arc across the tournament. This aligns with a broader trend in sports where athletes embrace their roles as entertainers, especially in events like the Super Bowl halftime show or the Olympics opening ceremony.
The French Open, with its Parisian backdrop, offers a natural stage for fashion. Osaka’s outfits have been praised by fashion critics for their craftsmanship and daring. The gold bomber jacket, covered in sequins, and the ivory train, which resembles a wedding veil, were likely custom-made by her sponsors. The look took inspiration from haute couture runways, yet remained functional enough for a tennis match. After removing the train and jacket, Osaka played in a sleeveless gold dress that allowed for full range of motion. This balance between aesthetics and performance is key to her success.
As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await Osaka’s next outfit. Whether she chooses to continue with the gold theme or switch to something entirely different, one thing is certain: she will keep the world watching. Her journey at Roland Garros is not just about winning matches, but about redefining what it means to be a tennis star in the 21st century.
Source: Yahoo Sports News