Naomi Osaka made a remarkable entrance into her opening match at the 2026 Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka survives in three sets! pic.twitter.com/8bA0pkA7Sk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) January 20, 2026
Osaka defeated Antonia Ruzic in three sets, but her custom made Nike outfit is what stole the show.
Now THAT is an Australian Open fashion statement.
Naomi Osaka entering Rod Laver Arena 👏#AO26 pic.twitter.com/UTkCmR5Jj1
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) January 20, 2026
The Custom Naomi Osaka Nike Outfit
I am traditionally very critical of Nike tennis attire because it seems to lack thought and originality.
A few days ago, I made these very comments about the ATP and WTA World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka’s Nike kits.
Those same comments could be made today about ATP World No. 2 Jannik Sinner’s Nike kit which is nothing short of dull.
Not the way you want to win a match, wishing Hugo a speedy recovery. From my side, I’m happy to be back on court, a very special place for me 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/4RKpePE5O9
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) January 20, 2026
Sinner Sauce Slam is complete! pic.twitter.com/bsjimwQSah
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 20, 2026
Enter Osaka who played immediately after Sinner at Rod Laver Arena, and finally Nike hits a homerun.
Naomi Osaka unveiled an all new custom on court look with Nike and Hong Kong designer Robert Wun for her 1st round match at the #AusOpen2026 🎾 pic.twitter.com/AA4CmX94G7
— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) January 20, 2026
Naomi Osaka spoke about her Australian Open outfit after her win over Ruzic
“This outfit is now iconic…”
Naomi: “Nike let me design this one. It’s modeled after a jellyfish. I’m so grateful that I get to do the things that I love. It’s really beautiful.”
Naomi: “There’s a… pic.twitter.com/BTnvuPMpKp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2026
Osaka designed the outfit. It is a jellyfish inspired look, and it has a butterfly which was symbolic of her 2021 Australian Open win.
If Nike can hit a homerun with Osaka, why can’t it do better with its other top athletes?
Maybe they don’t care, but it seems like Sabalenka’s personality is suited to custom designing her outfits though she said at the end of last year that she will not have custom kits for 2026. She has earned the right to do this so hopefully it happens for 2027.
Next Round Match For Naomi Osaka
Osaka has an intriguing second round match with Romanian veteran sorana Cirstea. She recently announced that the 2026 will be her last year on the WTA Tour.
Despite Osaka and Cirstea’s lengthy careers, they have only played one other time over 10 years ago.
Cirstea won a three set Wimbledon qualifying match in 2015.
Osaka and Cirstea will face off on Wednesday at a to be announced time.
Australian Open coverage is live and replayed on ESPN2 and the ESPN App. This match may be shown live on ESPN2. Otherwise, fans will need to have a paid ESPN Unlimited subscripton to see it.
