‘Modelled on a jellyfish’ – Osaka backs up ‘spectacular’ outfit with win

Naomi Osaka is renowned for her jaw-dropping Grand Slam appearances, but she also made a jellyfish-inspired outfit a big hit at the Australian Open on day three.

Before her first-round encounter with Antonia Ruzic, the four-time Grand Slam champion donned an outfit that was dedicated to her daughter Shai before making a statement entrance on Rod Laver Arena.

On the Australian Open Daily podcast from BBC Radio 5 Live, tennis correspondent Russell Fuller described the event as the most spectacular and breathtaking opening to a Grand Slam first round.

The 16th seed, a two-time Australian Open champion, defeated Ruzic of Croatia in a decisive set, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, to advance to the second round.

Osaka donned a tie-dye tracksuit jacket with an ocean blue tie-dye design and white wide-leg bottoms with ruffles as she entered the court.

The 28-year-old revealed that the girl’s outfit was first inspired by a jellyfish she saw in a book while giving it to her two-year-old daughter.

Robert Wun, a London-based stylist who has previously styled Ariana Grande, Cardi B, and Beyonce, brought Osaka’s ideas to life.

Two white butterflies, one on her wide-brimmed hat and one on her umbrella, were also present in the eye-catching look, which was a nod to the two white butterflies that had appeared during her bid to win the Australian Open title in 2021.

Osaka made a dramatic first-round appearance in the match against Croatian number 65 Ruzic, who was celebrating her 23rd birthday.

After going 3-4 up in the decisive set, the former world number one did not make it easy for herself.

She immediately won the game, going 4-4, before going on to win again in the second game.

Former world number six Chanda Rubin said, “You feel like even if she had lost, she would still have owned it [the outfit].” However, it appeared as though the statement wouldn’t have been fully realized if she hadn’t prevailed.

Her tennis ultimately did the talking.