Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance at Wimbledon on June 29, wearing a Japanese-inspired kimono before her first-round match against Elsa Jacquemot. The four-time Grand Slam champion paired the traditional garment, adorned with cranes and cherry blossoms, with a white Nike dress to comply with the tournament's strict all-white dress code. Osaka revealed that her outfit was inspired by her cultural heritage and the iconic white kimono worn by Lucy Liu in 'Kill Bill.'
Osaka defeated Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5, showcasing strong form despite a recent foot injury. She will next face Anastasia Gasanova or Emiliana Arango in the second round.
The kimono was designed by Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi, and Osaka emphasized her respect for Japanese culture. She has previously worn bold outfits at other Grand Slams, including a jellyfish-inspired dress at the Australian Open and a gold 'Eiffel Tower' dress at the French Open. Osaka clarified that Nike designs her match outfits, while other designers contribute to her walk-on attire.