The four-time Grand Slam champion honoured her Japanese heritage before winning her Wimbledon opener

Naomi Osaka made a memorable entrance at Wimbledon by arriving for her opening-round match wearing a striking all-white kimono, blending Japanese tradition with the tournament’s famous all-white dress code.

The four-time Grand Slam champion unveiled the elegant full-length outfit before stepping onto court at the All England Club, explaining afterwards that the look was inspired by her heritage and her admiration for Japanese culture.

Osaka, who defeated Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5 to reach the second round, said the idea emerged as she considered Wimbledon’s long-standing traditions and how they could connect with her own identity.

Speaking after her victory, the 28-year-old explained that Wimbledon immediately brings to mind its iconic all-white clothing rule. That led her to reflect on her Japanese and Haitian heritage before deciding that the kimono represented the most recognisable symbol of Japanese culture.

According to Osaka, the silhouette of a kimono is instantly recognisable regardless of its colour, making it the perfect way to honour her roots while respecting Wimbledon’s strict clothing requirements.

The outfit also drew inspiration from popular culture. Osaka revealed she has long admired Lucy Liu’s character in the film Kill Bill: Volume 1, recalling the all-white kimono worn in the movie. She said her Wimbledon appearance became her own interpretation of that look while paying “love and respect” to Japan.

The entrance quickly attracted attention around the All England Club.

Because Osaka was scheduled to play on one of Wimbledon’s outside courts rather than Centre Court, she walked through public areas accompanied by tournament staff. Fans lining the pathways stopped to admire the outfit, with many turning to watch as she made her way towards the court.

Osaka admitted she found the reaction enjoyable. Wearing headphones as she prepared mentally for the match, she could still sense spectators stopping to look at the kimono. She also heard compliments from fans who described the traditional garment as beautiful, making the experience even more memorable.

The latest outfit continues Osaka’s growing reputation for combining elite tennis with bold fashion statements.

Earlier this year at the Australian Open, she wore a jellyfish-inspired outfit that attracted widespread attention. At the French Open, she appeared in a glittering gold tennis dress that she said resembled the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night.

Despite embracing creative designs, Osaka admitted her distinctive fashion choices also create additional pressure on court.

She joked that once she commits to wearing an elaborate outfit, she feels an added desire to progress deep into the tournament. Losing in the opening round after unveiling a carefully planned look, she said, is something that occasionally crosses her mind.

Even so, Osaka said expressing herself through fashion has become a natural part of her career. She enjoys experimenting with different styles and believes every player has their own way of showcasing their personality away from competition.

She added that fellow players frequently ask about her outfits in the locker room, something she finds both surprising and enjoyable. The conversations, she said, demonstrate how fashion has become an increasingly important part of professional tennis.

Osaka has steadily rebuilt her career since returning to the WTA Tour following the birth of her daughter in 2023. Now back among the world’s top 20 players, she reached the semi-finals of last year’s US Open and is aiming to improve on her previous best Wimbledon performances, both of which ended in the third round.

Her next challenge at this year’s Championships will come against Anastasia Gasanova as she attempts to continue both her winning run and her eye-catching fashion journey at the All England Club.