Naomi Osaka was dressed for success while playing against top-10 player Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2024 US Open. the four-time Grand Slam champ defeated Ostapenko on Tuesday, all while being covered in bows from head to toe.
The match took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 27 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The athlete arrived on the court wearing a pair of white, over the ear Beats headphones, which were also decorated with green ribbons by the ear cups and white ruffles covered the headband area. She wore a cropped white Nike jacket, and her gym bag was also adorned with a giant white bow.
There were other bows featured throughout her outfit, including on the back of her bomber jacket, on her bright green tennis dress, and on the back of her lime green and white Nike sneakers. The sneakers featured two small lime green bows behind the heel, that perfectly matched the Swoosh and the sole of the sneaker, giving the shoe a girly and vibrant feel.
Her custom ensemble was a collaboration between AMBUSH designer Yoon Ahn and Nike. The look included a removable green and white tulle tutu, as well as a sheer white windbreaker with a bright green bow on the back. Since returning from maternity leave, Osaka has shared that fashion is one way she boosts her own confidence while she is on the court. “When I wear what I feel is a good outfit, I definitely feel more comfortable,” she told The New York Times in an interview last week ahead of the US Open.
The bows are more than just a cutesy addition to her ensemble, however. They are a way to represent her Japanese heritage, and are an ode to Harajuku style and culture. “I remember one of the first times I went to Japan, I saw so many frills and so many bows,” the tennis pro told the newspaper.
“I wouldn’t automatically associate myself with being girlish when I’m on the court, but I tend to gravitate toward really beautiful and cute things. I think there’s something quite cool in making that an emphasis.”
Osaka also has a similar black and white look, which was purposely chosen as it provides her with a different energy. “[The color green] gives me peace and serenity,” Osaka she shared about her looks. “I think colors give you power.” Adding that the black and while ensemble makes her feel strong, “I feel a little bit like Black Panther.”
