Naomi Osaka continued to draw attention not only for her performance on the court but also for her distinctive fashion choices at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. Two days after making a striking debut in a kimono-inspired outfit embroidered with cranes and cherry blossoms, the four-time Grand Slam champion once again captured interest with a carefully curated ensemble for her second-round match.
On July 2, Osaka stepped onto No. 2 Court wearing a more streamlined look featuring a traditional Japanese obi sash, paired with a Nike bomber jacket embroidered with floral designs and a flowing train. The outfit offered a modern contrast while paying homage to her Japanese heritage, an aspect she has increasingly highlighted during the tournament. Photographers and fans gathered for several minutes as she made her entrance, underscoring the growing anticipation surrounding her sartorial statements.
Following this entrance, Osaka quickly shifted focus to her on-court performance, defeating Russian qualifier Anastasia Gasanova 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour. The victory secured her a place in the third round, where she will face Australia’s Daria Kasatkina. Osaka displayed growing comfort on grass, efficiently controlling baseline rallies and dictating play, reflecting her ongoing return to form after giving birth to her daughter in 2023.
Osaka has openly discussed how fashion helps her manage pre-match nerves and channel her energy. At the Australian Open earlier this year, she made headlines with a jellyfish-inspired outfit, embracing more dramatic walk-ons. Since then, her choices have become more subdued yet remain expressive. "I want to make myself so used to that feeling that it doesn’t bother me any more. And fashion helps," she said.
Her outfits at Wimbledon have incorporated elements of Japanese culture, such as the traditional kanzashi hair ornament and the obi sash, balanced with contemporary pieces to reflect her personal style. Osaka cited the vibrant street fashion of Harajuku, Tokyo, as a key influence on her evolving approach. “You go to Harajuku and you see everyone expressing themselves through clothes. It was just so cool and colourful. That stuck out to me a lot,” she explained.
While her fashion experimentation has drawn both admiration and some criticism from fans and opponents who prefer the focus remain solely on her tennis, Osaka remains undeterred. She also welcomed the trend of other players embracing unique looks, citing Taylor Fritz’s Hugo Boss suit as an example of style on the grass courts.
Despite the theatrical entrances, Osaka emphasized there is no elaborate strategy behind her clothing choices. “I don’t really ever have a plan when it comes to clothes. I think it’s OK to try something and fail, but I’d rather just try it and see how it goes,” she said.
Beyond competition and style, Osaka looked forward to celebrating a personal milestone. “Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday and I just wanted to be here for longer. I didn’t want to make her get on a plane on her birthday,” she mentioned, planning to balance practice with family time.
As Osaka advances deeper into Wimbledon, her blend of athletic skill and cultural expression continues to capture attention, marking her ongoing journey both on and off the court.