Naomi Osaka has a unique relationship with tennis that separates her from the pack. For Osaka, tennis is more than a sport; it's a creative avenue, and her outfit is as weaponized as her forehand.

At a Roland Garros press conference, Osaka gave what many assume is her most detailed response yet, and for the first time, the public was able to get a glimpse of the planning and comfort she actually considers behind her increasingly theatrical outfits.

"I have a lot of meetings with Nike. I don't think people realize how much time and effort they put into every outfit. They plan it like a year and a half in advance. And that's like minimum," Osaka said.

What is most impressive about her dresses is the two-layer engineering, allowing her to shed layers as she warms up, and her outer layer, and even more impressive, her tulle dresses, which are designed to be removed in a matter of seconds.

Though this may seem impressive enough, behind the curtain, Osaka is a sketch-savvy, theater-loving visionary.

We were able to first get a glimpse of this design plan at the 2026 Australian Open, where Osaka wore an even more stunning design by Robert Wun. During this open, she wore a gold-and-brown sequined minidress, which was also a collaboration with designer Kevin Germanier.

At the press conference, more of the design planning was explained, and how Osaka uses fashion to remove pressure during her performances.

"I kind of consider it a part of me. For me, it would be weirder to wear a normal tennis kit almost at this point. For a long time, I didn't have fun for a little bit. You guys know that period of time in my life. So now I just want things to be fun."

That period in her life was documented very thoroughly. Osaka took a break from tennis in 2021, citing mental health. She withdrew from Roland Garros after refusing to participate in a press conference and took another break.

She used this period to deepen her relationship with the sport. Fashion means a lot more to her now.

That rebuilt confidence will now be tested in the brightest lights of Roland Garros.

Naomi Osaka Set for a Rare Roland Garros Night Match Against Sabalenka

Osaka is stepping into a space she rarely occupies at this tournament. Historically, the men's matches have dominated the prime-time matches for the French Open. Osaka is aware of this fact.

Since the French Open started having one match that is scheduled for prime time, only four of the first sixty matches scheduled for prime time on Court Philippe Chatrier have been women’s matches. Osaka’s match against the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, will be the fifth.

Osaka herself admitted the setting feels foreign. Speaking at her Roland Garros press conference, she said, "I'm so used to not playing night matches here and playing night matches in the US Open or something like that that I don't even associate this tournament with night matches."

Both players, especially the 16th-seeded Osaka with her newfound confidence, are very capable. Sabalenka has a lot to prove, as she is looking to capture her first French Open title, while Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion.

Comment down below, whose side are you on for Monday night's match?

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta