Naomi Osaka poked fun at Nike’s designers (Image: Getty)
revealed that she was the secret figure behind the design of her Australian Open outfit as she prepares to push for a fifth Grand Slam.
The Japanese player will be back on the court in Melbourne next month hoping to build on her two Grand Slam titles Down Under, which she won in 2019 and 2021.
Her return to the WTA Tour didn’t go to plan in Australia after she was knocked out of the first round by Caroline Garcia. But with a full year of playing under her belt after becoming a mother for the first time, Osaka is leaving no stone unturned to make sure she looks the part.
The former world No 1 has been empowered to design her own attire for the tournament, which many took to be a new idea put forward by her brand sponsor Nike.
And Osaka revealed it wouldn’t be her first attempt at choosing what she wears, as she was also behind the 2024 design that she wore in the soaring Australian heat.
“I realise not a lot of people know that I designed my Australian open outfit for 2024,” she said in an post.
On that occasion, the four-time Major dressed herself in a black, sleeveless outfit with a white strip running across a color-blocked pattern. This time, she gave little away to her fans in a small teaser for her fans.
Osaka also took a cheeky dig at her sponsor, adding: “Idk why Nike let me do this but I’m excited for everyone to see the outfits to come lol.”
Naomi Osaka is a fashion icon in addition to her tennis achievements (Image: Getty)
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Those that know Osaka will attest that this is another exhibit of her self-deprecating humour, as she often makes candid comments about her behaviour and abilities.
But there is a very good reason as to why the 27-year-old is entrusted to put together a stylish outfit rather than Nike’s highly-paid designers: her marketability.
Osaka represents one of the most popular figures in the women’s game and her unique and sometimes awkward personality resonates with tennis’ Gen Z fanbase.
Her custom outfits at the US Open have been chic, contemporary and caught the eye, with her US Open look making the headlines.
Naomi Osaka poked fun at Nike for allowing her to choose her outfits (Image: Instagram/@naomiosaka)
Back in August, she debuted a black, ruffled Nike outfit in style during a match against Karolina Muchova. On that occasion, she donned a bomber jacket with a ribbon on the back, with a styled skirt to go with it.
It will be her second appearance in Australia since the birth of her daughter, Shai, and Osaka recently opened up about the troubles she has faced after her pregnancy.
“It’s a strange feeling, missing balls I shouldn’t miss, hitting balls softer than I remember I used to,” she said in August. “I try to tell myself, ‘It’s fine you’re doing great. Just get through this one and keep pushing’, mentally it’s really draining through.
“Internally, I hear myself screaming, ‘What the hell is happening?!?!’”