Clad in an outfit that sets social media abuzz, Osaka overpowers Ostapenko for 1st top 10 win in 4 years
The Naomi Osaka show at the US Open on Tuesday had many layers, none bolder than the Japanese's first win over a top ten opponent in four years.
Osaka arrived on court for her match against the tenth-ranked Jelena Ostapenko sporting a cropped bomber jacket on a wrap skirt, under which was a stiff tutu net that flitted around her waist like a hula hoop. A large android green bow was attached to the back of her jacket, which completed the anti-minimal aesthetic. The antonym of Athgear.
Under the jacket and expendable skirt was a four-tiered ruffle tennis dress on the back of which was a large white bow that tailed the 26-year-old around the rectangle.
Unlike her outfit, which sparked kindergarten cosplay vibes, Osaka's tennis was point precise and flawless. The two-time US Open champion put out her big-hitting Latvian opponent 6-3, 6-2, drilling the corners and keeping Ostapenko on the move. She converted all three break-point opportunities while shutting down the two opportunities Ostapenko had on her serve.
Next up for the former No.1, now ranked No. 88, is the gifted Czech Karolina Muchova, who was ranked in the top-10 as recently as September last. The duo has split their two career meetings on clay and hard courts. "I'm not sure if it's motivation or if I feel like I have no other choice but to play well," she said of her game when pitted against a seeded player, "it gets rid of expectations and all the pressure I put on myself, because I know, no matter what, the tennis is going to be really great."
Osaka, the four-time major winner, pointed at Japanese and Harajuku culture when describing her championship ensemble, in shades of green and black, for day and night matches. An Yoon Ahn creation, the outfit gives a nod to the Tokyo district famed for its colourful street art and youth fashion, with quirky vintage clothing stores. "When I was putting on my outfit today, I was like, I hope this isn't too much," she said laughing.
"I had the tutu and then I had the bow (on the) jacket and it was green, I felt like everyone was staring at me funny. And then I put the headphones on, that was a real killer. I was, like, you know what, embrace this maximalist style." Osaka, whose daughter Shai celebrated her first birthday in July, added, "When I put on the outfit it's almost like a super suit. I try to channel that."
The bows on the Japanese' gear was the punning point on social media. Outside of the two oversized versions on her outfit, it was on her shoes and accessories, at each end of her gym bag, a lanyard of little white bows hung from the handle of the bag, even her headphones had bows. Osaka's play oozed confidence, weight of shot and serve. She was locked in and striking the ball clean. "I feel like this court is my home, it gives me so much more confidence," she said of the US Open. "I step on the court knowing that I probably have the most wins in the field maybe."
