Naomi Osaka's French Open campaign began with a straight-sets victory over Laura Siegemund on Tuesday, but it was her striking Roland Garros outfit that generated almost as much attention as her tennis.
The four-time Grand Slam champion continued her tradition of memorable major-tournament entrances, arriving on Court Suzanne Lenglen in a custom black corset and flowing pleated skirt before revealing a shimmering gold Nike dress underneath.
Osaka defeated Germany's Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) to book her place in the second round, where she will face Croatia's Donna Vekic.
Naomi Osaka explains inspiration behind French Open outfit
Speaking after her victory, Osaka revealed that Paris itself served as the inspiration behind her latest fashion statement.
"Funny enough, you know the Eiffel Tower at night when
it's sparkly? I think I look like that a little bit," Osaka said.
Naomi feels like the Eiffel Tower at night ✨#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/paumd4NVQI
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2026
The gold sequins on her dress reflected the intense Paris sunshine throughout the match, creating a sparkling effect that reminded the Japanese star of the French capital's most famous landmark.
"When I first saw it, I felt like I look like the Eiffel Tower at night time when it's bright," she added.
Osaka even admitted she briefly feared tournament officials might object to the reflective nature of the outfit.
𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓-𝐔𝐑𝐄 pic.twitter.com/ndMQX8kbNr
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 26, 2026
"Then I actually got a little worried because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot, so 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. "
Kevin Germanier and Nike collaborate on Osaka's Roland Garros look
The outfit was created through a collaboration between Swiss fashion designer Kevin Germanier and sportswear giant Nike.
Germanier designed the dramatic black walk-on ensemble, which featured a beaded sleeveless corset and semi-sheer pleated skirt. According to Vogue, the designer repurposed elements from Osaka's previous tennis apparel, including a skirt, jacket and dress, to create the custom look.
Underneath, Osaka wore a specially designed Nike competition outfit featuring gold sequins and layered detailing.
"I wanted the outfit to feel romantic yet strong, reflecting Naomi's energy and the emotion of playing on such an iconic stage," Germanier told Vogue.
"After her magnificent Met look, it felt important to come back just as strong and powerful for this moment in Paris, mixing couture and sport. "
Aryna Sabalenka praises Osaka's fashion statement
Osaka's outfit also earned praise from world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who was watching the entrance live.
"This is sparkling. I love it. I love that she is expressing herself and feels confident," Sabalenka said.
"That's the beauty of the fashion world, there's space for anything and I love that she's bringing it on court. "
Osaka believes Grand Slam tournaments offer one of the few opportunities for tennis players to showcase their personalities away from pure competition.
"Sometimes people say athletes are in show business or entertainers or whatever," she said.
"For me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I'm an entertainer. "
The former world No. 1 has increasingly used Grand Slam appearances to merge fashion and sport. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, she wore a jellyfish-inspired outfit designed by Robert Wun, dedicating the look to her daughter Shai.
Now back inside the world's top 20 following her return to the tour after becoming a mother in 2023, Osaka has once again ensured she is making headlines both on and off the court at Roland Garros.
