In brief
Naomi Osaka celebrated her Japanese roots by arriving at Wimbledon in a full‑length white kimono that complied with the tournament’s strict all‑white rule. The move followed her season‑long explorations of bold attire, from a glittering gold dress at the French Open to a jellyfish‑inspired look in January. Osaka said the kimono was inspired by Japanese heritage and a favorite movie character, and she enjoyed the surprise it caused among fans. She acknowledged that while the fashion statement fuels excitement, it can also add extra pressure and she hopes to keep evolving her style for future matches.
Naomi Osaka is known for dazzling crowds with her on‑court outfits, but she had to find a way to keep them bold while staying within Wimbledon’s strict dress code.
In the opening match she arrived on a full‑length white kimono, a design fully compliant with the tournament’s all‑white rule yet rich in cultural meaning.
Earlier in the season she wore a glittering gold dress that looked like the Eiffel Tower and a jellyfish‑inspired ensemble at the French and Australian opens.
In her interview she said the kimono came from a love for her Japanese heritage, the idea of a silhouette that is instantly recognisable and a nod to a movie character who wore a white kimono – life inspired by love and respect to Japan.
Osaka said that the garment’s appearance surprised fans and drew turned heads as she passed through the crowd; she smiled that she liked the fun of that reaction.
She also noted that she will keep mixing up her styles in future matches – although the pressure of wearing extravagant outfits is real and she has never gone beyond the third round at Wimbledon, she still breaking into the top 20 and reaching a US Open semi‑finals last year.
