Tokyo: Naomi Osaka reveals how her time in Tokyo ignited her passion for fashion. As the Grand Slam champion prepares for the historic HSBC Championships, she celebrates her evolving style, drawing admiration from tennis icons including Venus Williams, amid her comeback plans for the summer event.
Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has garnered attention not just for her achievements on the tennis court, but also for her evolving fashion sense. Reflecting on her journey, Osaka shared, “When I came to Tokyo for the first time, that’s when I started really getting into fashion,” highlighting the city’s influence on her style. In a time frame that spans five years, her passion for fashion has intensified, delighting fans and drawing endorsement from notable figures in the tennis world.
Osaka’s fashion choices have continually captivated the tennis community. At the U.S. Open last year, she made a striking impression in a vibrant green dress complete with a prominent bow and multiple ruffles, standing out in her first-round match against Jelena Ostapenko. Her appearance at the 2021 Met Gala, where she donned a custom gown designed by her sister Mari, was another highlight. The dress featured a silk-mix ruffled cape, and incorporated a Koi fish motif, celebrating their Japanese heritage.
The latest praise for Osaka’s fashion sense came from Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, who took to Instagram to comment on a recent post by Osaka that showcased her favourite outfits from the past year. Williams wrote, “Approved ??????,” indicating her admiration for Osaka’s style. In the post, Osaka displayed a blend of textures, colours, and silhouettes, most notably featuring a casual yet chic outfit that combined a black button-down top with cargo denim pants, accessorised with a Louis Vuitton handbag and a blue cap.
Venus Williams, who has been a prominent figure in tennis as well as a fashion icon in her own right, has also been active on social media, showcasing her style through various outfits. Last year, she entertained fans by sharing her dance moves while dressed in beach-appropriate attire. More recently, during the Paris Fashion Week in October 2024, she sported a striking yellow flare dress that she described in an Instagram story as “Just being extra… again. The dress just gave me vibes!”
Osaka’s fashion flair continues to make waves, transitioning from her stylish online presence to significant professional announcements. Currently, the player is making headlines with her return to competitive tennis, particularly as the first female player confirmed for the HSBC Championships this upcoming summer. This event marks a historic occasion as the Queens of Tennis will compete at Queen’s for the first time in over half a century, a milestone event for women’s tennis.
Reflecting on this achievement, Osaka commented, “To be a part of the first women’s event at the LTA’s HSBC Championships in over 50 years is exciting and something that makes me incredibly proud. It’s very special to compete at a historic venue like The Queen’s Club, and with the strength of the women’s game right now, it’s going to be a fantastic event.” She expressed her readiness to embrace the challenges ahead, stating, “I feel great in my game. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I will give everything to lift that title this summer.”
Despite facing challenges earlier in the 2025 season, including a painful back injury that led to her withdrawal from matches in New Zealand and Australia, Osaka’s anticipation for the HSBC Championships remains high, suggesting a determination to return to her competitive best.
Source: Noah Wire Services
