'This was unexpected': Naomi Osaka stuns Rod Laver Arena with bold look before first-round win
Updated . First published at
Naomi Osaka turned heads at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday evening, stepping out for her opening match against Antonia Ruzic in a bold statement look.
The former world No.1 paired a white hat — complete with a face-concealing veil — with a matching umbrella.
After the dramatic entrance, Osaka survived a major scare on court, battling for two hours and 22 minutes to defeat Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
FOLLOW LIVE: Australian Open Day 3 live coverage
READ MORE: Aussie world No.182 collapses after epic win over veteran
READ MORE: Seed falls but hottest Aussie group this century dazzles
Naomi Osaka of Japan walks out ahead of the Women's Singles First Round match against Antonia Ruzic of Croatia on day three of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Getty
Osaka's entrance immediately sparked conversation among Nine's commentators.
"Just when we thought we'd seen it all on Rod Laver Arena, the two-time champion Naomi Osaka makes her entrance," host James Bracey said on Nine.
"[She is] making a statement with her tennis racquet, but [also] making one in the fashion world.
"Naomi does things how Naomi wants to do them ... This was unexpected."
Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.
The hat and umbrella were part of a coordinated walk-on look designed to complement Osaka's on-court kit, the latest from her signature Nike collaboration.
Once the theatre of the walk-on concluded, Osaka set aside the accessories to compete in a blue and green jellyfish-inspired dress.
"Nike let me design this one, and it's modelled after a jellyfish," Osaka said post-match.
"I'm just so grateful that I get to be able to do the things that I love, and it's really beautiful. Shout out to (Nike and Hong Kong designer) Robert Wun for doing this for me."
Naomi Osaka of Japan walks out ahead of the Women's Singles First Round match against Antonia Ruzic of Croatia on day three of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Getty
"There is a little Great Gatsby about it, and it's pure theatre," tennis legend Todd Woodbridge said of Osaka's outfit on Nine's broadcast.
"That's bringing the theatre and the entertainment to Rod Laver Arena and the Centre Court.
"So, it's a big statement early on, and I've got the feeling, though, here at the Australian Open, she's going to be able to back it up with the way she's playing."
As the boundary between sport and style continues to blur, the Australian Open is cementing its status as a global fashion stage.
"I was in shock, in good shock, when I saw it," former world No.4 Jelena Dokic said on Nine's broadcast.
"I got a glimpse of it when she was walking through the tunnel.
"This is tennis and fashion and like Todd said, entertainment and theatre coming together."
Highlighting two white butterflies featured on the hat and umbrella, Dokic suspected the details were a nod to the viral moment from the 2021 Australian Open when a butterfly landed on Osaka's face mid-match.
Naomi Osaka pauses mid-match as a butterfly perches on her cheek during her women's singles third-round clash against Ons Jabeur at the 2021 Australian Open. Daniel Pockett via Getty Images
"I have a feeling that little butterfly has something to do with that epic picture that was taken a few years ago of Naomi here, when the butterfly flew in on the court, and they were able to get that picture," she said.
Osaka later confirmed that the butterfly motifs were a nod to her 2021 championship run.
Despite trailing by a break in the deciding set, Osaka showed the composure of a champion to fight back and secure her place in the second round.
She had clinched the opener 6-3 in 44 minutes, looking sharp as she took early control of the match.
However, Ruzic responded, breaking Osaka early and racing out to a commanding 3-0 lead in the second set.
The match took a strange turn when a technical malfunction with the net lights interrupted play at a critical juncture, with both players locked at deuce in the ninth game.
Following a lengthy delay to fix the red 'out' light that had become stuck on, the system was back in working order, and the players resumed their battle.
Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates her match-point victory over Croatia's Antonia Ruzic during the first round of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Phil Walter via Getty Images
The break in rhythm proved costly for the former world No.1, as Osaka subsequently lost the second set 6-3.
In a seesawing decider, Ruzic looked to have the upper hand after breaking in the seventh game, but Osaka hit back immediately.
Having secured the critical break back to lock the set at 4-4, Osaka shifted gears one final time to clinch the victory.
Osaka will next play Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the second round on Thursday.
