Osaka Shines Like the Eiffel Tower on Court Suzanne-Lenglen

For years, Naomi Osaka has treated Grand Slam walk-ons like runway moments, and on Tuesday at Roland-Garros she delivered yet another bold entrance. 

Walking onto Court Suzanne-Lenglen before her opening-round victory over Laura Siegemund, Osaka arrived draped in a dramatic custom look designed by Swiss couturier Kevin Germanier. 

Here’s details on the kit, per Vogue: 

“Osaka strolled onto the clay court in an all-black look, which Germanier deconstructed from her past competition gear—a tennis skirt, jacket, and dress. The Swiss designer created a black sleeveless corset top embellished with intricate beading, paired with a semi-sheer pleated skirt made of the internal lining of one of Osaka’s jackets.”

But the real reveal came moments later, when Osaka removed the outer layer to unveil a shimmering gold Nike dress accented with sequins that was designed to resemble the Eiffel Tower at night.

Tennis Now asked Osaka what it’s like to make such a stunning entrance then have to switch to play mode in a matter of minutes. 

“I don’t really feel like it’s too much of a big deal to do that and then play after,” she said. 

“Like sometimes people say athletes are in show business or entertainers or whatever. I feel like for me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer.” 

Osaka defeated Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6(3) to set a second-round clash with Croatia’s Donna Vekic.