Aussie Tennis Star Destanee Aiava Defends Naomi Osaka's Fashion Against BBC Critics
Rising Australian tennis talent Destanee Aiava has launched a robust defence of Japanese star Naomi Osaka, following criticism from British tennis commentators regarding her choice of attire at the Australian Open. Aiava, an Australian professional who made history as the first Grand Slam competitor born in the 2000s, took to social media to express her dismay at what she perceives as elitist and outdated attitudes within the sport's commentary circles.
The Controversial Commentary
The dispute originated from a BBC 5 Live Sport social media post that highlighted Naomi Osaka's eye-catching outfit choices during the tournament. This prompted negative remarks from established figures within the tennis world. Seven-time major doubles champion Jamie Murray commented in BBC coverage, stating, I felt there was an element of disrespect to the sport of tennis. Tennis commentator Eliza Wastcoat was more direct, adding, It looked a bit cheap, a little bit tacky. Wastcoat had previously criticised Osaka's walk-on outfits on her personal Instagram account, arguing that tacky and tasteless fashion choices do not do the heritage of tennis or fashion any justice.
Aiava's Passionate Rebuttal
Despite being knocked out in Australian Open qualifying and not reaching the main draw, Destanee Aiava has been an active and vocal spectator on social media. She directly replied to the BBC post, writing, I really don't think it's that dramatic. Aiava expressed frustration with the perceived stuffiness of tennis, posting, Gosh no wonder this sport will always be seen as super stuffy to those on the outside. Comments like this feel too elitist. God forbid any player attempts to do something a little bit different and out of the box.
She further amplified her critique on her Instagram Story, accusing the BBC of narrow-mindedness regarding the sport's audience. Just say you think tennis [is] only for the white people, Aiava posted. She credited players like Osaka, the Williams sisters, Coco Gauff, and Nick Kyrgios for generating modern interest in tennis, stating, You people forget that the only reason people give a f*** about watching tennis these days is because of people like Naomi [Osaka]... even tho you s*** talk them. BFFR [be f***ing for real].
Broader Context of Online Abuse
This is not the first time Destanee Aiava has spoken out against negativity in tennis. Recently, she publicly confronted an online troll who posted what she described as a f***ing disgusting comment about her appearance following her Australian Open qualifying loss. Aiava shared clips of the exchange on Instagram, explaining she wanted to expose the bullying behaviour. She firmly stated that body shaming and personal abuse are disrespectful and unacceptable for any public figure, criticising the expectation that athletes should tolerate such behaviour.
Osaka's Tournament Exit and the Fallout
The controversy surrounding Naomi Osaka's fashion occurred alongside her unexpected withdrawal from the Australian Open. She pulled out just hours before her scheduled third-round match against Maddison Inglis, citing an abdominal injury. Osaka explained the decision broke her heart but was necessary as her condition worsened during warm-up, and she could not risk further damage, especially considering changes to her body since pregnancy.
However, her withdrawal triggered a wave of online speculation. Some fans controversially suggested she quit due to an inability to handle criticism, pointing to a recent heated on-court exchange with Sorana Cirstea and the ongoing backlash over her fashion choices. Despite these conspiracy theories circulating on social media, Osaka maintained that her withdrawal was solely due to a genuine injury, emphasising she had been playing with pain and required medical caution.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions within tennis between traditionalist perspectives and a new generation of players and fans who champion individuality and diversity, both in style and in the global appeal of the sport.
