Naomi Osaka left quite the impact as she returned to the US Open. Not only did the four-time Grand Slam champ defeat top-10 player Jeļena Ostapenko in a hard-earned victory, but she did so in one of her cutest ensembles yet.
As she stepped onto the court, Osaka could be seen covered in bows—from the back of her white sneakers to her bright green tennis dress. Her custom ensemble, a collaboration between AMBUSH designer Yoon Ahn and Nike, included a removable green and white tulle tutu, as well as a sheer white windbreaker with a bright green bow on the back.
Even her headphones and bag were embellished with bows.
Underneath, Osaka channeled her own “brat summer” with a vivid green tennis dress, which featured a ruffled skirt and another bow (this time in white) on the back. The adorable theme continued underfoot, where the tennis pro wore a pair of white Nike sneakers, the heels of which were decorated with green bows.
The feminine theme is a nod to her Japanese heritage, she shared in an interview with The New York Times. “I remember one of the first times I went to Japan, I saw so many frills and so many bows,” Osaka said. “I wouldn’t automatically associate myself with being girlish when I’m on the court, but I tend to gravitate toward really beautiful and cute things. I think there’s something quite cool in making that an emphasis.”
And beyond appearances, Osaka shared that her outfit’s ribbons also symbolize her graceful yet powerful playing style on the court. “Actually, my movement coach is a ballerina. She’s also my mental coach,” she added. “Before I met her, I thought ballerinas were just flexible, but then I realized they’re all incredibly strong.”
Osaka has another version of the ruffled ensemble planned for the US Open, although it takes on a black-and-white palette. “[The color green] gives me peace and serenity,” Osaka further shared with the Times. “I think colors give you power.” As for black, that gives her strength: “I feel a little bit like Black Panther.”
Maya Ernest is an editor who covers everything from the latest fashion news to features that investigate personal style, social media trends, and thoughtful consumption.