Agency :
Naomi Osaka turned heads on Tuesday, stepping on court in a dazzling crystal-encrusted red Nike outfit before dismantling Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4 to reach the U.S. Open second round at Flushing Meadows.
The twice champion made her Louis Armstrong Stadium entrance with an elaborate rose-adorned ponytail that she later ditched for practicality, but not before making a statement at the floodlit evening session.
“I just thought it would be really fun to do a New York under the lights,” Osaka said of her custom-designed ensemble. “This is my night outfit, so hopefully I’ll wear my day outfit next time.”
The 23rd seed’s theatrical presentation extended beyond fashion, with her bag featuring a small Labubu charm she dubbed “Billie Jean Bling, not Billie Jean King” in her on-court interview.
“I was not expecting everyone to like Billie Jean Bling. I’m glad she made people laugh today,” she said.
“I feel like she was more aggressive than I anticipated. I was a little overwhelmed at times, but I just tried to make her keep playing one more shot,” Osaka said, crediting recent confidence-building victories for her improved mindset.
“It feels really good to have won quite a few matches against some really good players, especially on a surface that I love.”
Her elaborate outfit required years of Nike production planning, with crystals proving particularly challenging on performance wear. The dramatic hair change after walking out onto the court was always part of the plan.
