Naomi Osaka is set to take the court at Wimbledon today, drawing attention not only for her recent injury but also for her bold fashion choices. The 28-year-old former world number one turned heads at the French Open in May, wearing a sequined waistcoat, black floor-length mesh skirt, and a tan tennis dress with ruffles and golden glitter. Osaka likened the outfit to her interpretation of the 'Eiffel Tower at night when it's sparkly.'
Osaka's Fashion History and Backlash
Osaka has a history of envelope-pushing attire. At the Australian Open, she wore a blue and green ruffled Nike dress, a wide-brimmed white hat with a mesh veil, and a long white underskirt, drawing comparisons to a jellyfish. She has described herself as 'a little dramatic' in fashion, using it as a form of self-expression because she is not the most 'talkative' person.
Not everyone has welcomed her whimsy. Germany's Laura Siegemund, whom Osaka defeated in straight sets in the first round of the French Open, said she was 'not here for a fashion show.' Tennis player Jamie Murray criticized her Australian Open outfit in a BBC interview, saying: 'It was like Mary Poppins on… I don't know what she was on, but she's on something. I was like, ‘What are you doing?''
Osaka has hit back on Threads, writing: 'I don't do this for them though – they will never get it, and I don't want them to. I do this for the people that are like me.' On X, she received praise, with one fan commenting: 'The way it floats and flutters, then catches the sun in movement, is mesmerizing.' Another added: 'It's JUST a dress. A shiny, sparkly, beautiful dress that Naomi Osaka chose to wear. Why does that hurt your fragile feelings?'
Wimbledon's Strict Dress Code
Wimbledon is known for its all-white dress code. Rules state competitors must wear 'suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white (not off-white or cream)' from the moment they enter the court surround. A single trim of color around the neckline and cuffs is acceptable, but no wider than one centimeter. This applies to caps, headbands, bandanas, wristbands, and socks.
While a ban is unlikely, the tournament has a history of fining violators. In 2022, Australian star Nick Kyrgios was fined £11,700 partly for wearing red Jordans and a red cap when accepting his runner-up trophy. Others have been told to change: Venus Williams had to change her fuchsia bra after straps became visible, and Roger Federer had to change his orange-soled Nike shoes.
Osaka's Backup Plan and Predictions
Osaka has said she has 'backup normal Nike dresses' for tournaments if officials disapprove. Speaking about the French Open, she told Sky Sports: 'I actually got a little worried, because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. So I was a little scared that the umpire was going to kick me off the court.'
Metro's assistant editor, Lucy Mapstone, defended Osaka's self-expression: 'I bl**dy love Naomi Osaka for doing what she's doing. Tradition is one thing, but do you know what else is special? Looking absolutely fantastic, exuding confidence and giving a fashionable middle finger to your critics while doing it with style. … I can't help but wonder: if a male tennis player turned up in something equally daring, would he be attracting the same level of negativity? I highly doubt it.'
The All England Club is not expected to ban Osaka's walk-on, provided she complies with the dress code. Predictions for her Wimbledon outfit include an all-white tennis dress with a multiple-tiered ruffled skirt and a white bow, similar to her 2024 US Open lime green look, or a poofy skirt and mesh dress in white, akin to her orange and purple 2025 US Open outfits.
