A prominent writer has confirmed that Naomi Osaka’s stunning entrance ahead of her first-round match at the 2026 Australian Open was not all down to Nike. According to the writer, Nike, Osaka’s apparel sponsor, only designed her in-match outfit and not the entirety of the elaborate look she sported during her viral walk-out, which included an ornate veil and an umbrella.
Osaka, who has sported a variety of custom walk-out kits before, once again made the worlds of fashion and tennis collide in the moments leading up to her 2026 Australian Open debut on Tuesday, January 20. Such was the impact of her look that a lot of discussion about her in the aftermath became less about her tennis and more about her extravagant attire, which was inspired by her two-year-old daughter Shai.
Many thought that it was Nike that played an instrumental role in bringing the former World No. 1 and four-time Major winner’s look to life. However, renowned writer Jessica Schiffer, via a post on X (formerly Twitter) stated that Nike had no role to play in the entire production, and that Osaka’s collaboration with fashion designer Robert Wun was handled by the Japanese personally along with her management team. Schiffer wrote:
“Quick update here: I’ve confirmed with a source close to the production that Nike was only responsible for the dress she played in. Her walk on outfit by couturier Robert Wun was handled (and funded) by her personal management team. The point being that Osaka really takes these elaborate pieces into her own hands and if the other top Nike players—who are often mentioned alongside her as not getting the same treatment— *wanted* to go big like this, they could.”
Reigning World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka Voiced Nike Wish After Naomi Osaka’s Viral Australian Open Walk-Out
Soon after her second-round victory at the 2026 Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka was asked to share her thoughts on potentially making a fashion statement like Naomi Osaka did this year in Melbourne. Here, the Nike-sponsored Belarusian, under the misconception that the American sportswear juggernaut designed the entirety of Osaka’s walk-out look, said:
“I wish Nike would let me do this kind of stuff, but not for this year, but we are working on it. I think I would be more like a classy entrance. I don’t know, maybe a long coat. I was fantasizing, trying to work it out, not good enough yet, but I’ll come up with something cool next year for sure.”
Osaka survived a first-round scare against Antonia Ruzic from Croatia and is set to face Sorana Cirstea in the second round. Meanwhile, Sabalenka is slated to square off against Anastasia Potapova in the third round.
Read More News:
Naomi Osaka Gets Scathing Criticism For Australian Open 2026 Outfit From Tennis Fashion Influencer
Why Naomi Osaka Chose A Veil & Umbrella For Her Australian Open Entrance Outfit
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