Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Naomi Osaka admitted she had packed plain backup outfits in case officials objected to her glittering gold match dress at the French Open, but the former world No. 1 was relieved she could continue making bold fashion statements on court.
Osaka drew attention on Tuesday when she walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a black Kevin Germanier skirt before revealing a sparkling yellow-brown and gold Nike dress during her first-round clash against Laura Siegemund.
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The Japanese star later said the outfit reminded her of the Eiffel Tower lighting up the Paris skyline at night.
“When I first saw the match dress in real life, I felt I look like the Eiffel Tower at night, when it’s bright,” Osaka told reporters after her 6-3, 7-6(3) win.
“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.
“So I got two backup normal Nike dresses… thank God I didn’t have to wear them, though. I thought that the reflection of the dress was really beautiful, but it just reminded me of the Eiffel Tower a little bit.”
Osaka has increasingly become one of the most recognisable fashion figures in women’s tennis. Earlier this year, she wore a jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open, while her rose-themed look at the US Open last season also generated widespread attention.
The four-time Grand Slam champion said she has gradually grown comfortable embracing that side of her personality.
“I’m a little used to it now. I think in Australia … the Yoon (Ahn) Ambush dress first started it all off (in 2024). The U.S. Open, the roses in my hair (last year), that’s when I started to really get into it a lot more,” Osaka said.
“In Australia (this year), it was a real conversation starter. I don’t really feel like it’s a big deal to do that and then play after. I can see where people think I feel a little stressed or whatever.”
Osaka also reflected on how tennis players are increasingly viewed as entertainers, saying Grand Slam entrances give athletes a rare opportunity to express themselves beyond the sport.
“Sometimes people say athletes are in show business or are entertainers, or whatever. I feel like for me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel I’m 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 sparked speculation about a comeback after re-entering the anti-doping testing pool last year.
“Just to see her around the sites and playing matches again I think is really cool for tennis,” Osaka said.
“I would be excited to see her outfits again, too. But also her playing. I think she’s one of the best players in the world, of course.”
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
