Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance at the French Open on Monday, unveiling a dazzling, sequined outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower at night. The four-time Grand Slam champion debuted the eye-catching ensemble, designed by Kevin Germanier and Nike, before securing a first-round victory against Laura Siegemund on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Osaka, who returned to the sport after welcoming her daughter in 2023, has a well-established reputation for delivering memorable fashion statements at major tournaments. This latest creation, featuring a black corset and pleated skirt over a glittering gold sequined dress, immediately captured attention, drawing comparisons to the iconic Parisian landmark.
The inspiration behind the outfit came directly from Osaka herself. “Funny enough, you know the Eiffel Tower at night when it’s sparkly? I think I look like that a little bit,” she told reporters after her match. The sequins on the gold dress reflected the Parisian sun intensely, leading Osaka to initially express concern about potential umpire intervention.
She admitted to having backup outfits prepared, joking, “I was a little scared the umpire was going to kick me off the court. I got two back-up, normal dresses – thankfully, I didn’t have to wear them.” Her successful debut in the unique attire suggests the French Open’s dress code regulations were met.
The ensemble comprised a black corset and cascading pleated skirt, both designed by Kevin Germanier, who is recognized for his commitment to sustainable fashion practices. Beneath this, a custom-made gold sequined tennis dress by Nike provided the signature sparkle. This collaboration highlights the intersection of athletic performance and high fashion within the sport’s major events.
Osaka’s approach to the Grand Slam walk-on is deliberate, viewing it as a unique moment for self-expression. “Sometimes people say athletes are in show business or entertainers or whatever,” she explained. “For me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer.”
Fellow top player Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s top seed, praised Osaka’s bold fashion choice. “This is sparkling. I love it. I love that she is expressing herself and feels confident,” Sabalenka commented. “That’s the beauty of the fashion world, there’s space for anything, and I love that she’s bringing it on court.”
This French Open appearance follows Osaka’s similarly impactful entrance at the Australian Open earlier this year, where she wore a jellyfish-inspired outfit dedicated to her daughter, Shai. These fashion choices underscore Osaka’s willingness to use her platform to express personal style and connect with her audience beyond the court.
Former British number one Annabel Croft noted that not all players could carry off such distinctive outfits. “If you’re out there in an extraordinary outfit, you’ve got to live up to that and have the confidence to play in it and give the crowd the tennis as well as the outfit,” Croft said. “Naomi can handle it. She really loves it, and she’s not fazed by it.”
Osaka’s return to form has been notable since her return from maternity leave. She has re-established herself within the world’s top 20 and reached the semi-finals of the US Open last September. Her first-round win at Roland Garros positions her to face Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the second round.
Osaka’s blend of on-court success and off-court fashion innovation continues to set trends in professional tennis. As the tournament progresses, attention will remain on whether her style choices continue to evolve and if her on-court performance can match the brilliance of her attire.
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