Naomi Osaka knows how to make an entrance. And a statement.
The Japanese superstar, who has been one of sport’s highest earners even during a dip in her form due to lucrative sponsorships, produced one of the moments of the 2026 Australian Open before she even stepped onto the court.
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As Osaka walked through the pathway to Rod Laver Arena, she was shown holding a white umbrella and wearing a white veil over a wide, white-brimmed hat and her frilly blue and white Nike outfit.
With her head bowed, the look gave the appearance of a geisha, though with some simply Osaka touches including a butterfly – which famously landed on her face during the 2021 tournament.
A reel of the outfit was posted on Osaka’s Instagram account almost immediately after she stepped onto the court for her first-round match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic.
The caption on the post read ‘WUN OF ONE’ – a phrase she has used throughout her career to recognise that she is the only Japanese grand slam champion and world No.1.
The post was also perhaps hinting at the launch of a new clothing line.
“There’s a little Great Gatsby about it. It’s pure theatre,” Australian great Todd Woodbridge said on Nine’s coverage.
“That’s bringing the theatre and the entertainment to Rod Laver Arena and centre court.
“It’s a big statement early on.”
Former British No.1 Laura Robson declared “it’s a vibe” on TNT Sports’ coverage.
She then added: “I love it, this is a moment.”
Fellow former British star Tim Henman replied: “Wow, I am speechless. It’s pretty cool. Does it put pressure on your performance?”
To not mess with her aesthetic, Osaka’s tennis bag was waiting for her at her courtside bench.
Commentator Sam Smith said the four-time grand slam champion’s entrance was almost like a throwback to a pioneer of the women’s sport, who boasts a court named in her honour at Roland Garros.
“The first tennis and global (female) sports star was a lady called Suzanne Lenglen, who had that huge bandana,” Smith said.
“In the 1920s, she was France’s best player. She played alongside Daphne Akhurst, after whom this trophy is named.
“And I think if she was looking down now from tennis heaven, she would be admiring Naomi Osaka and the way she has brought fashion to the court tonight.”
Having made such a statement walking onto the court, she needed to do the same on it, and Osaka delivered.
After breaking her opponent’s serve at the earliest opportunity Osaka took the first set 6-3.
With a victory Osaka would face Sorana Cirstea in the second round, and she has world No.2 Iga Swiatek as her projected fourth round opponent.
The two-time champion is the No.16 seed at this year’s Australian Open, an event she won in 2019 and 2021.
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