Fans flocked to see the eye-catching outfit of Naomi Osaka as she supremely dispatched 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the first round of the US Open.
In the first of two opening round battles between two grand slam champions, wildcard entrant Naomi Osaka produced a tantalizing display to beat Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.
Without hitting a single unforced error in the first set, glimpses of the Osaka of old were visible, with the two-time US Open winner as vibrant and dynamic as ever in her progression to round two.
Often donning flamboyant outfits, Osaka has previously exhibited everything from political to deeply personal messages through her clothing.
This year is no different, with Osaka seen with green frills, a large bow on her back, as well as two smaller green bows on the back of her trainers.
In her press conference after the victory, Osaka outlined how her outfit was turning heads in the locker room, with other players asking to take photos with her.
“I feel like being able to be a part of my tennis outfits gives me a different strength, especially the US Open outfits, I feel like they are a little bit more flamboyant,” she said.
Osaka has also paid a tribute to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter accident in 2020.
“I always wear Kobe jerseys after matches and practices because I feel a little bit, like, I can kind of keep his spirit with me,” she said.
Tennis fans react to ‘Queen of Fashion’ Naomi Osaka’s outfit at the US Open
Head-to-toe in lime green frills and bows, fans were all in agreement about Osaka’s audacious look.
One enchanted fan said, “Love it! The ruffles and bows are darling. Fun to see something different,” with another adding, “I need this hoodie!!!!! Desperately!”
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: “Naomi Osaka still understands that the fashion has always been a part of the show in tennis, which I’m not sure anyone else of her generation quite does.”
More impressed fans said: “I love the jacket she was wearing too! And these shoes are everything!!! I absolutely want them!” Another suggested: “This kit is giving me Serena memories.”
The plaudits didn’t stop there with one finally simply saying: “Tennis needs more fashion trailblazers!”
Could Naomi Osaka win the US Open?
Osaka’s patchy record this year gives scant indication of how she might realistically do.
The former world number one thumped Ons Jabeur in Toronto, before bowing out to Elise Mertens with a whimper in round two.
Osaka’s ability to challenge the top players but fail to find her level against lower-ranked opponents provides such lack of clarity about her genuine title chances.
After taking Iga Swiatek to within a brink of French Open defeat, the Pole survived to then win the title with ease.
With former US Open semi-finalist Karolina Muchova next, a season of injuries to the Czech make this one similarly hard to call.
However, if Osaka brings the same vibrant form as she did against Ostapenko, the Latvian will not be the only one unable to compete.
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