Naomi Osaka debuted a dramatic two-layer outfit at the 2026 French Open, drawing praise and criticism. Laura Siegemund complained about the time taken to change, citing unequal enforcement of rules.
Naomi Osaka made a bold fashion statement at the 2026 French Open , arriving on Court Suzanne-Lenglen in a dramatic two-layer outfit that drew both admiration and criticism.
The four-time Grand Slam champion initially wore an all-black ensemble featuring a corset and a flowing pleated skirt, which she then removed to reveal a gold, sparkly tennis dress underneath for her first-round match against Germany's Laura Siegemund. The reveal took about 90 seconds, a detail that did not go unnoticed by her opponent.
Osaka won the match 6-3, 7-6 (3) to advance to the second round, but the conversation after the match centered more on her attire than the scoreline. Siegemund, clearly unimpressed, voiced her frustration during a press conference. I find something else problematic, she said. In our sport, at every tournament, they count every second, right up until you have unpacked your water bottle.
But she can have a minute and a half to change. I have a problem with that, because these rules simply exist and they are what they are every second is now being watched so closely for us. She added, I also think that with performances like these, every second should be accounted for. That is the only thing regarding the rules that I do not think is OK and where, once again, bigger names are treated differently.
Siegemunds comments highlight a recurring tension in tennis about the enforcement of time rules, particularly when top stars are involved. Osaka, when asked about the inspiration behind her look, remained unapologetic. Honestly, it is very couture, she told reporters. And also, funny enough, you know the Eiffel Tower at night when it is, like, sparkly?
I kind of think I look like that a little bit. She also explained her approach to fashion on the court: I tell people I do not talk a lot, so that way I can talk through my clothes. That means I can be as loud with colours or patterns or fabric as I want. That is the fun part.
I feel like we lost that a little in tennis. The incident has sparked a wider debate about self-expression versus strict adherence to rules in professional tennis, with many players weighing in on social media.
Meanwhile, Osaka moves on to the second round, but the controversy over her fashion choice is likely to linger throughout the tournament
Naomi Osaka French Open Tennis Fashion Laura Siegemund Rules Controversy
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