Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open outfit labelled ‘iconic’ and ‘a contradiction’ by Boris Becker
Tennis legend Boris Becker has described Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open walk-on outfit as “iconic” while also claiming that the Japanese star’s bold move was a “contradiction.”
Osaka entered Rod Laver Arena for her opening round 2026 Australian Open match against world No 65 Antonia Ruzic wearing a striking outfit inspired by jellyfish and butterflies.
The four-time Grand Slam champion survived a scare to beat the 23-year-old Croatian 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 after she was a break down at 3-4 in the third set.
In her post-match press conference, the world No 16 was asked if wearing the outfit had made her more nervous for the match.
“Honestly, I realise I’m a little strange ’cause I don’t really think I care. For me, I just feel like I want to do things that create joy and happiness,” Osaka said.
“Obviously I really love fashion and that makes me excited to wake up and do the whole walk-on or whatever and it just creates a little bit more joy in that whole match preparation.
“But no, I don’t think in my mind I’m gonna put this on and if I lose it’s like a wrap.”
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What did Boris Becker say about Naomi Osaka’s outfit?
Speaking to TNT Sports, Becker highlighted what he saw as the contradictory aspect of Osaka making a statement with her outfit.
“These are, of course, images for the media,” said the six-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1.
“The way she entered the court is already iconic. No other player has dared to wear such an outfit — but she did.
“But there is also a contradiction: on the one hand, she doesn’t want to be under so much pressure, she doesn’t want to be in the public eye and in the media so much – and then she comes onto centre court in an outfit like that.
“Of course, that puts her back in the public spotlight. I would point out that she also needed a mental break a few years ago. For me, it’s generally important that the focus here is on the sport.”
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