There appears to be significantly less buzz about Naomi Osaka‘s custom Grand Slam outfits compared to the excitement that surrounded Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova’s iconic Nike fashions. Nonetheless, here is a closer look at the ensemble Osaka debuted as she triumphed in her first match at Wimbledon since 2018.
In her first-round match at Wimbledon on Monday, Osaka battled past Diane Perry with a score of 6-1 1-6 6-4, debuting all-white separates dominated by ruffles. These ruffles, depending on the perspective, can appear as excess fabric or as photogenic details.
The tight-fitting racerback top features an asymmetrical ruffle that diagonally extends from one shoulder over the chest and down to the lower back. The multi-layered pleated skirt showcases a dynamic design with mesh horizontal stripes and deep side vents.
During her on-court interview, Osaka wore a white Nike jacket that matched the skirt with its horizontal stripes. The jacket featured two square-shaped pockets on the front. The 26-year-old’s white Nike tennis shoes, featuring a green “NO” logo and Swoosh, were perfectly complemented by her signature TAG Heuer Aquaracer watch.
“It feels like a dream”
So good to have you back Naomi, and wishing your daughter a very happy birthday for tomorrow ????#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/0JgQ5DWcSt
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2024
Osaka returned to competition at the start of the 2024 season after giving birth to her first child, a daughter named Shai, who has just turned one. Nike has provided Osaka with custom outfits for all Grand Slam tournaments since her comeback. At the Australian Open, she wore a stunning snake-skin dress. At Roland Garros, she sported a striking outfit featuring a lower back cutout and a layered skirt with beige pleats peeking out from underneath a perforated black upper section, while the highlight of her Paris look were the asymmetrical Nike GP Challenge 1 tennis shoes.
The former world No.1 Osaka, currently ranked No.113, is poised to return to the Top 100 after Wimbledon. In the second round, her opponent will be American Emma Navarro. Should she progress, she will equal her best result at The Championships.
I like the idea of this outfit- the transparent horizontal stripes are a great touch, and make for an interesting addition. However, the execution of the outfit is terrible- the skirt is so frumpy and oversized, and the ruffle looks like it has just been haphazardly placed on the front.
Nike have just given up, haven’t they?
Theres nothing glamour about this dress, it looks like cheap table cloths/curtain.
What happened to swarovski crystal, like Serena dress in ’19 or if they are gonna do ruffles, do the angel wings like Sharapova 07 dress…now thats what I call elevated elgance.
This dress is not elegant at all. It looks messy and ridiculous.
It certainly feels like Nike is sidelining women’s tennis. Have they completely given up, or are they just waiting for a new star player to emerge?