Naomi Osaka made a striking fashion statement and secured a first-round victory at the French Open on Tuesday. The four-time Grand Slam champion wore a custom gold Nike dress covered in sequins, designed by couturier Kevin Germanier, as she defeated unseeded German Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6(3) on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Osaka initially walked onto the court in a black corset and matching skirt before revealing the shimmering gold outfit underneath.
Osaka described her outfit as resembling 'the Eiffel Tower at night when it's sparkly,' joking that she initially feared the umpire might disqualify her due to the dress's reflective nature. She also mentioned having backup dresses in case her primary outfit was deemed inappropriate. The match took place under intense Parisian heat, with Osaka noting the challenging conditions.
Osaka will next face 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist Donna Vekic in the second round. The Japanese player has become known for her bold fashion choices at Grand Slams, including a jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open earlier this year. Her French Open ensemble was designed with sustainability in mind, aligning with Germanier's approach to upcycled materials.
The victory marks Osaka's return to competitive form after a period of limited play on Court Suzanne Lenglen. She acknowledged feeling nervous but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform in front of the Parisian crowd.