Naomi Osaka once again proved that Grand Slam tournaments are as much a fashion runway as a sporting stage, arriving at Wimbledon in a striking all-white kimono inspired by Japanese ceremonial dress.
The four-time Grand Slam champion wore the custom-made outfit before her opening-round victory over Elsa Jacquemot, using Wimbledon’s famous all-white dress code as inspiration rather than a limitation. The elegant look celebrated her Japanese roots while respecting one of tennis’ oldest traditions.
Speaking after her victory, Osaka said the idea came from thinking about Wimbledon and her own cultural identity.
«When I think about Wimbledon, I think about the all white… Then I think about my cultures, my heritage.»
She explained that the kimono’s unmistakable silhouette represents Japan, while also revealing that Lucy Liu’s iconic white kimono in Kill Bill helped inspire the final design.
The outfit was created with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi, featuring embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, a structured obi belt and flowing ceremonial layers that transformed into her Nike match kit before stepping onto court. Diamond jewellery and traditional Japanese-inspired hair accessories completed the look.
Osaka’s most memorable Grand Slam looks
Wimbledon is only the latest chapter in Osaka’s growing reputation as one of tennis’ biggest fashion icons.
Australian Open 2026 – The Jellyfish
Perhaps her boldest creation arrived in Melbourne, where Osaka collaborated with Nike and couture designer Robert Wun on a spectacular jellyfish-inspired entrance.
The turquoise-and-white outfit featured flowing pleats, wide-legged trousers beneath a dress, a dramatic veil, butterfly-adorned hat and matching parasol. Osaka later revealed that the design was inspired by jellyfish illustrations she had been reading about with her young daughter.
French Open 2026 – Eiffel Tower glamour
At Roland Garros, Osaka embraced Parisian elegance with a shimmering gold performance dress that she compared to «the Eiffel Tower at night.» The sparkling outfit became one of the tournament’s most talked-about fashion moments and reinforced her reputation for blending couture with elite sport.
US Open 2024 – Oversized bows
Returning to New York after motherhood, Osaka unveiled a custom Nike collection featuring oversized bows, layered skirts and dramatic bomber jackets. The playful designs referenced Harajuku fashion while maintaining a modern athletic aesthetic, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable looks of the tournament.
Wimbledon 2026 – Tradition meets couture
Unlike previous colourful designs, Wimbledon required Osaka to work entirely in white. Instead of seeing that as restrictive, she embraced texture, silhouette and craftsmanship to create what she called a tribute to Japan.
For her second-round appearance, she evolved the original concept into a deconstructed kimono-inspired ensemble with a corset-style obi, floral embroidery and a flowing bridal-style train, demonstrating that every appearance can tell a different story.
Fashion as motivation
Osaka admits her elaborate entrances create extra pressure to perform.
«You don’t want to wear something extravagant and lose in the first round,» she joked after her Wimbledon victory.
Rather than treating fashion as a distraction, Osaka views it as another way to express herself. By combining haute couture, Japanese heritage and modern sportswear, she has transformed the traditional walk onto court into one of the most anticipated moments of every Grand Slam.
