On the opening day of Wimbledon 2026, Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka both made striking fashion statements in all-white attire, but fans have accused the tennis community of 'double standards' in their reactions.
Djokovic's Bespoke Lacoste Blazer Draws Praise
Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic entered Centre Court wearing a full white suit, including a bespoke Lacoste blazer bearing his initials and sponsor name on the breast pocket. The 39-year-old Serb defeated Wu Yibing in four sets, starting his 21st Wimbledon campaign. The blazer featured an interior slogan in Serbian that translates to: 'A hero is not the one who beats, but the one who endures injustice and forgives.'
Djokovic told Serbian journalists: 'I was thinking about what message would inspire me. There are a lot of them. I wanted something about Serbian history and culture because it means a lot to me.'
Osaka's Kimono Attracts Criticism
Shortly before Djokovic's match, Naomi Osaka captivated the crowd on Court 3 by arriving in a full-length traditional white kimono, complying with Wimbledon's strict dress code. The 28-year-old Japanese star defeated Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5. Osaka explained her choice: 'For me, my Japanese heritage means a lot. They say all white at Wimbledon and I thought it would be really cool to come out in a kimono.' She added that she drew inspiration from the character O-Ren Ishii in the film Kill Bill.
Social Media Reactions Highlight Inconsistency
While Djokovic's outfit earned widespread admiration—including from Roland Garros on X—Osaka faced criticism. One Djokovic fan said: 'Doesn't he look so elegant?' Another called it 'pure class.' But responding to Roland Garros' tweet, an X user protested: 'But when it's Naomi Osaka it's a problem?' Another condemned: 'I know. The double standards.' A third wrote: 'Everyone lost their minds when Naomi stepped out and they're all quiet now.' A fourth commented: 'Everyone is mute now, when it's Naomi it was an uproar. Jealous losers.'
Impact and Broader Context
The contrasting reactions have sparked debate about bias in tennis fandom, with many pointing out that Osaka's traditional kimono was fully compliant with Wimbledon's all-white rule, yet drew more scrutiny than Djokovic's branded blazer.
