All eyes will be on Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon today, not only because she was nursing an injury two days ago but also due to her bold fashion choices. The former world number one made headlines at the French Open in May when she wore a sequined waistcoat and black floor-length mesh skirt over a tan tennis dress with ruffles and golden glitter, which she likened to the 'Eiffel Tower at night when it's sparkly.' This raises the question: will Osaka be banned from Wimbledon for violating its strict dress code?
Osaka's History of Daring Outfits
The 28-year-old Japanese star also wore a jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open, featuring a blue and green ruffled Nike dress, a large wide-brimmed white hat with a mesh veil, and a long white underskirt. Osaka has said she is 'a little dramatic' with her fashion sense, using it as a form of self-expression because she is not the most 'talkative' person.
Backlash from Players and Critics
Her outfits have drawn criticism. Germany's Laura Siegemund, whom Osaka defeated in straight sets at the French Open, said she was 'not here for a fashion show.' Tennis player Jamie Murray criticized her Australian Open outfit in a BBC interview, saying: 'It was like Mary Poppins on… I don’t know what she was on, but she’s on something. I was like, ‘What are you doing?”' Osaka has responded on Threads, stating: 'I don’t do this for them though – they will never get it, and I don’t want them to. I do this for the people that are like me.' On X, she has received praise, with one user writing: 'The way it floats and flutters, then catches the sun in movement, is mesmerizing.' Another added: 'It’s JUST a dress. A shiny, sparkly, beautiful dress that Naomi Osaka chose to wear. Why does that hurt your fragile feelings?'
Wimbledon's Strict Dress Code
Wimbledon is known for its all-white dress code. Rules require competitors to wear suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white, not off-white or cream, from the moment they enter the court surround. A single trim of color around the neckline and cuffs is acceptable but no wider than one centimeter. This applies to caps, headbands, bandanas, wristbands, and socks. While a ban is unlikely, the tournament has a history of fining violators. In 2022, Nick Kyrgios was fined £11,700 partly for wearing red Jordans and a red cap. Venus Williams had to change her fuchsia bra when straps became visible, and Roger Federer had to change his orange-soled Nike shoes.
Osaka's Backup Plans
Osaka has said she has 'backup normal Nike dresses' for tournaments if officials disapprove. Speaking about the French Open, she told Sky Sports: 'I actually got a little worried, because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. So I was a little scared that the umpire was going to kick me off the court.'
Support for Osaka's Self-Expression
Metro's assistant editor, Lucy Mapstone, defended Osaka: 'I bl**dy love Naomi Osaka for doing what she’s doing. Tradition is one thing, but do you know what else is special? Looking absolutely fantastic, exuding confidence and giving a fashionable middle finger to your critics while doing it with style. 'And you can’t deny Osaka is making this year’s French Open more interesting. Couture meets tennis? How marvellous. 'Sport can be an archaic space and, understandably, one built on rules and tradition. But Osaka has long faced a level of scrutiny that feels all too familiar for female athletes and women of colour. 'It also strikes me that women’s sport constantly asks its stars to be marketable, charismatic and culturally relevant – then gets uncomfortable when they actually are. 'I can’t help but wonder: if a male tennis player turned up in something equally daring, would he be attracting the same level of negativity? I highly doubt it. 'Personally, I’d love to see Osaka continue this fashion streak all the way to Wimbledon. Tennis needs stars, and stars need personality. Osaka’s outfits are creating conversation, bringing fresh eyes to the sport and making tournaments that little bit more fun. 'Let’s hope Wimbledon finds a way to embrace that rather than police it.'
Predictions for Osaka's Wimbledon Outfit
The All England Club is not expected to ban Osaka's walk-on if she complies with the dress code. Predictions suggest she may wear an all-white tennis dress with a multiple-tiered ruffled skirt and a white bow, similar to her lime green US Open 2024 outfit, or a poofy skirt and mesh dress in white, akin to her orange and purple numbers from the 2025 US Open. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Osaka, critics be damned.
