Naomi Osaka Beats Donna Vekic 7-6, 6-4 in Gold Outfit at French Open
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 28
Naomi Osaka Beats Donna Vekic 7-6, 6-4 in Gold Outfit at French Open
10 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 28
Osaka advanced to the French Open third round on Thursday, beating Croatia’s Donna Vekic 7-6, 6-4 after arriving in an Eiffel Tower-inspired gold jacket and dress.
The 28-year-old’s latest Paris look followed criticism from first-round opponent Laura Siegemund, who said Osaka was given about 90 seconds to change and that bigger names get different treatment.
Nike custom-made the sequinned outfit for Osaka and even prepared a backup after Siegemund said the reflective gold dress was hard to see in bright Paris conditions.
The win extends Osaka’s run of high-profile Grand Slam entrances this year, after her jellyfish-themed outfit at the Australian Open and a black corset-style look in her French Open opener.
As athletes become entertainers, what does Osaka’s fashion reveal about the future of sports marketing?
When stars treat the court like a runway, does the sport itself risk taking a back seat?