Naomi Osaka, known for her fierce game and unique style, turned the US Open into her personal runway, showcasing a striking outfit during her match against Karolína Muchová on Thursday, August 29. Although Muchová triumphed, defeating Osaka 6-3, 7-6 (5) and ending her pursuit of a third US Open title, Osaka’s fashion statement left a lasting impression.
The 26-year-old tennis star donned a black ensemble designed by Nike’s Yoon Ahn, which she called “The best outfit I’ve ever worn” on Threads before the tournament. Her outfit featured a bomber jacket with a colored ribbon on the back, paired with a tennis dress adorned with a smaller bow and a tiered ruffle skirt. A white band separated the top from the skirt, and the look was completed with sneakers, also embellished with a bow on the back.
Osaka, who co-founded the KINLÒ skincare brand and recently became a mother, first debuted a green version of this outfit during her match against Jelena Ostapenko on Tuesday, August 27. While Ostapenko, ranked 10th in women’s tennis, emerged victorious, the 88th-ranked Osaka still captured attention with her fashion-forward look.
Born in Japan and moving to the U.S. at age 3, Osaka’s outfit was deeply influenced by her Japanese heritage. She told The New York Times that the bow and ruffle details were inspired by her cultural roots. “I remember one of the first times I went to Japan, I saw so many frills and so many bows,” Osaka shared, reflecting on how these elements shaped her design choice.
In addition to her cultural inspiration, Osaka also drew from her experience with ballet, a connection she discovered through her movement and mental coach, who is a ballerina. “Actually, my movement coach is a ballerina,” Osaka said. “She’s also my mental coach. So maybe I was thinking about it subconsciously. Before I met her, I thought ballerinas were just flexible, but then I realized they’re all incredibly strong.” She described the ensemble as a “beautiful garment.”
Designer Yoon Ahn emphasized the importance of Japanese culture in the early stages of the design process, noting that Osaka sent her references to the ‘Lolita’ goth style she admired. “They go out and wear pink, frills, bows, lace. It’s about really owning the cutesy-ness and the girly-hood,” Ahn explained.
Despite the outcome of her matches, Osaka’s style and cultural homage made a powerful statement at this year’s US Open.