Naomi Osaka has embraced the role of entertainer after her golden ‘Eiffel Tower’ outfit at the French Open

Naomi Osaka admitted she packed a plain back-up outfit in case officials objected to her sparkly gold French Open match dress, but the former world number one was relieved to continue making bold fashion statements on court.

Osaka attracted attention on Tuesday when she stepped onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a black Kevin Germanier skirt before revealing a sparkling fawn and gold Nike dress during her first-round clash with Laura Siegemund.

The Japanese star later said the outfit reminded her of the Eiffel Tower, which lit up the Paris skyline at night.

Naomi Osaka takes the court for her first round match at Roland Garros.

It’s a fashion statement every time.

pic.twitter.com/OddQb86DPm— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 26, 2026

“When I first saw the match dress in reality, I felt that at night when there is light, I look like the Eiffel Tower,” Osaka told reporters after her 6-3, 7-6(3) win.

“I was actually a bit scared because when the sun hits the dress it reflects a lot. So I was a bit scared the referee was going to kick me off the court.

“So I got two backup normal Nike dresses… thank god I didn’t have to wear them. I thought the reflection of the dress was really beautiful, but it just reminded me a little of the Eiffel Tower.”

Osaka is increasingly becoming one of the most recognizable fashion figures in women’s tennis. She wore a jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open earlier this year, while her rose-themed look at the US Open last season also garnered widespread attention.

The four-time Grand Slam champion said she gradually became more comfortable accepting this side of her personality.

“I’m kind of used to it now. I think in Australia … the Yoon (Ahn) Ambush dress first started it all (in 2024). The US Open, roses in my hair (last year), that’s when I started getting into it a lot more,” Osaka said.

“It was a real conversation starter in Australia (this year). I don’t really feel like it’s a big deal and then playing. I can see where people think I’m feeling a bit stressed or something.”

Osaka also reflected on how tennis players are increasingly seen as entertainers, saying that entering Grand Slam tournaments gives athletes a rare opportunity to express themselves outside of the sport.

“Sometimes people say that athletes are in show business or they’re entertainers or whatever. I feel like, Grand Slam walks are the only time I feel like an entertainer,” she added.

Osaka also welcomed the possibility of Serena Williams returning to the tour. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has not played since the 2022 US Open but has sparked speculation of a comeback after re-entering the anti-doping testing pool last year.

“Just seeing her in the stadiums and playing matches again, I think it’s really great for tennis,” Osaka said.

“I would be thrilled to see her clothes again. But also her playing. I think she’s obviously one of the best players in the world.”

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

May 27, 2026 0:41 AM IST