Osaka blends Wimbledon white with Japanese heritage in kimono entrance

Naomi Osaka won her Wimbledon opening match against Elsa Jacquemot 6-1 7-5, after making her entrance in a full-length white kimono. The outfit kept to Wimbledon’s all-white tradition while reflecting Osaka’s Japanese heritage.

Osaka explained that the design came from thinking about Wimbledon’s visual rules alongside her own background, including her Japanese and Haitian roots. She also pointed to film imagery, including Lucy Liu’s character in Kill Bill, as part of the creative reference behind the all-white look.

The entrance drew extra attention because Osaka was playing on an outside court and had to move through the crowd before competing. Spectators reacted as she passed, turning the walk to court into one of the day’s more memorable off-court moments.

The kimono follows other striking outfits Osaka has worn this season, including looks at the Australian Open and French Open. She also acknowledged that bold fashion choices can bring pressure, because continuing to wear them depends partly on staying alive in the tournament.

Osaka, now back inside the world’s top 20 after becoming a mother in 2023, has not previously advanced beyond the third round at Wimbledon. Her next listed opponent is Anastasia Gasanova, with the question now whether the fashion story continues alongside the tennis one.