Naomi Osaka talks about her extravagant Australian Open look: "Because I am a Libra!"

During the 2026 Australian Open women's singles first round, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka’s entrance outfit became a trending topic. The veil, wide-leg pants, and a unique parasol combined into a highly designed ensemble that sparked widespread discussion both on and off the court. Behind this "exaggerated" look lies the tennis star’s passion for fashion, her self-expression, and a heartfelt connection to the Melbourne venue.

Naomi Osaka’s entrance outfit sparks heated discussion

Inspiration collision: the magical resonance of jellyfish, butterflies, and the court

Regarding the design inspiration, Naomi Osaka was very straightforward: "One is jellyfish, the other is butterfly." The butterfly element was not random but rooted in a precious memory from Melbourne in 2021—when she won her second Australian Open title and was metaphorically "chosen" by the Melbourne butterflies. This experience became an emotional anchor for her current look. Even more surprisingly, upon arriving at the venue, she noticed that the decorations everywhere followed a "water" theme, with the entrance backdrop resembling a rolling ocean, perfectly matching the jellyfish inspiration. "It was such an amazing coincidence, stunningly beautiful," Osaka shared with a smile about this unexpected delight.

This outfit was not a spur-of-the-moment creation but the result of months of team preparation. From repeatedly refining design plans to on-site comfort testing, every detail was carefully considered. "My biggest worry was whether the parasol could pass through the players’ tunnel smoothly; during testing, I accidentally hit several signs," she admitted about the preparation mishaps. Fortunately, the final presentation was flawless, making this fusion of fashion and sports a perfect success.

Fashion attitude: creating joy beyond winning or losing

As a recognized "fashion queen" in tennis, Naomi Osaka’s love for styling is no secret, with almost every appearance sparking fashion buzz. But her motivation goes far beyond winning or losing: "I do these things to create happiness, spread joy, and add fun to pre-match preparations."

Contrary to concerns that fashion might be a distraction, Osaka has a clear understanding. She never feels extra pressure because of her unique outfits, nor does she think, "If I lose wearing this, I lose face." To her, fashion is simply a means of self-expression; the real determinant of the match’s outcome is performance on the court. The only small detail she cares about is her hairstyle: "Having a ponytail or braids can affect my vision, so that’s the one thing I deliberately adjust." This calm focus helped her withstand pressure and win 2-1 against Ruzic in a 2-hour 22-minute match, advancing to the round of 64.

True self-expression: dual identities on and off the court

On court, she dazzles with bold looks; off court, she is quiet and reserved. Talking about this contrast, Osaka laughed: "Because I’m a Libra! The moment I step on court, I’m no longer my everyday self." She admitted she never shouts "Come on!" in daily life but fully releases herself during matches; on court, she is like a carefully styled Barbie fulfilling her mission, then returns to her true self in the locker room.

This courage to "stand out" originated from a trip to Harajuku at age 13. "There, people can wear whatever they want and be completely themselves." The diversity and acceptance in Harajuku planted the seed of personal expression in her heart. Her Libra traits helped her find balance between introversion and flamboyance. She admires legends like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova for their blend of skill and style, praises Matek’s unique flair, and respects everyone’s individuality: "I don’t expect reserved players to suddenly appear on court wearing veils, but when I see someone with a butterfly clip in their hair, I know that’s the first step of innovation."

When asked if she worries about losing while wearing eye-catching outfits, Osaka’s playful and open response was: "Even if I lose, there’s nothing I can do, but at least this look will trend online." This relaxed attitude free from results makes her fashion statements even more genuine.

At the Melbourne court, Naomi Osaka’s veil, parasol, jellyfish, and butterfly combined to create a debut full of beauty and sentiment. She showed us that sports is not just about winning and struggle but also about expressing personality and passion.

(Written by: Felix)