Naomi Osaka has admitted she may have to tone down her walk-on fits at Wimbledon due to the challenges of wearing elaborate outfits during the tournament.
Osaka advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 7-6(2) victory over Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday. Along with her on-court performances, the Japanese has made a statement with her unique fashion choices.
She wore a traditional all-white kimono-inspired robe on the opening day of the tournament and brought it back for her fourth-round entrance. For the second and third rounds, she opted for a lighter-weight jacket paired with a flowing tulle train.
In her press conference after defeating Sabalenka, Osaka was asked about whether she would continue switching things up.
“I definitely wanted to today, but I actually really wanted to focus on the match. So that was me being very tame (smiling). But definitely there’s a couple things I can add. Well, ironically I kind of want to focus on my tennis now, so I might dial back a little bit.”
She went on to explain why she wants to dial back on her fashion choices at Wimbledon.
“I just feel like it. I don’t know. Because, I mean, I don’t have that much variation this time around. I hate to say it, but the French Open, the designer was based in France, so he was kind of like sewing things immediately after I won. Obviously with the kimono, we had to get it from Japan. It’s not like she can make a brand-new thing every time.”
Naomi Osaka on her success at the Wimbledon Championships
During her post-match press conference, Naomi Osaka was also asked how success at Wimbledon compares to her achievements at the other Grand Slams. Osaka has won two Australian Open and US Open titles, but this is the first time she has made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
“I’m definitely really grateful. I think someone asked me the other day how the crowd is different here than anywhere else. I really have to think about it, because I don’t actually have that much experience. But no, I mean, the crowd is lovely. The atmosphere is amazing. To play on that court, I’ve watched so many great matches being played. To be the one playing is really cool,” said Naomi Osaka.
She added:
“I had this, like, one-sided beef with [chris] Eubanks, because he got to the quarters way before me. I was so upset for the longest time. So I’m glad to finally join him.”
Osaka will face Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
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