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Naomi Osaka wows in 'phenomenal' jellyfish-inspired dress for Australian Open match leaving pundit 'speechless' - 'The ultimate walk-on'

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Naomi Osaka served up one of the most iconic walk-on outfits in tennis history ahead of her Australian Open first-round match against Antonia Ruzic at the Australian Open. Inspired by jellyfish and butterflies, and designed by couturier Robert Wun, Osaka wowed in a turquoise and green dress. She also came to the court on Rod Laver Arena holding a parasol and wearing a veil and a large hat.

Watch as Osaka stuns Rod Laver Arena with a 'statement' outfit

Video credit: TNT Sports

First-round matches at Grand Slams can sometimes be low-key, but Naomi Osaka ensured hers was anything but with an iconic walk-on outfit.

The four-time major winner is known for her on-court fashion and colourful kits and, at the 2026 Australian Open, she has taken it to a whole new level.

Osaka walked out for her match against Antonia Ruzic on Rod Laver Arena holding a parasol and wearing a veil, a large wide-brimmed hat (seemingly referencing Beyonce in her 'Formation' video), and a turquoise and green jellyfish-inspired dress.

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It was more of a catwalk than the start to a tennis match. "It’s a vibe," said an amazed Laura Robson on TNT Sports. "It’s phenomenal, it’s another level. I love it."

Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong said she had "never seen anything quite like it" and described it as the "ultimate walk-on".

TNT Sports expert Tim Henman was left "speechless" by the outfit. "She has absolutely owned it," he added.

If you are thinking the outfit didn't look very practical to play tennis in, that's because it wasn't, it was just for the walk-on.

When Osaka got to her chair - where her racquet bag had already been delivered - she ditched the parasol, hat and veil, carefully placing them on the side.

She then stepped out of the wide-legged trousers for the warm-up but continued to wear her jacket with jellyfish-like tassels up the arms.

That was gone too when the match started, as Osaka played in a slightly more traditional turquoise and green dress, albeit still with ruffles on.

Naomi Osaka

Image credit: Getty Images

Osaka’s stunning outfit was designed by couturier Robert Wun and inspired by jellyfish and butterflies.

Jellyfish because of Osaka’s two-year-old daughter, Shai, and butterflies because of Osaka’s memorable butterfly moment during her 2021 Australian Open title run.

"When I look back at the players who came before me, I think about how those moments - those looks - have become memories that live forever," Osaka told Vogue about the outfit.

"So much of the time, other people get to write our stories for us. This felt like a moment where I could write a little bit of my own."

Osaka said the vision for the dress first came to her when she was reading to her daughter.

"There was an image of a jellyfish, and when I showed it to her, she got so excited."

Osaka reveals inspiration behind 'really beautiful' walk-on outfit

Video credit: TNT Sports

Osaka overcame a scare to defeat Ruzic in three sets, and was asked about her walk-on outfit during her on-court interview.

"Nike let me design this one. It’s modelled after a jellyfish.

"I’m just so grateful that I get to do the things I love, it’s really beautiful and shout-out Robert Wun for doing this for me.

"There’s a butterfly on the hat, and a butterfly on the umbrella too. It has to do with the Australian Open that I won, in 2021, which was a long time ago!"

Osaka added that she wished other players would be "extra" in their fashion choices, citing those she grew up watching as examples to lead off.

"I grew up with the GOATs of style, Serena [Williams], Venus [Williams], [Maria] Sharapova," Osaka said.

Highlights: Osaka survives big scare after iconic walk-on outfit

Video credit: TNT Sports

"People don't talk about her enough, but Bethanie Mattek-Sands, too. She made it work with what she had.

"I think it all comes down to personality, too. I don't expect someone that's really reserved to put a veil on their head and go out and play their match.

"But I think people see bits of personality. I've seen people with bows in their hair. I think that's always going to be the first step into something. I'm always curious to see what is the next thing."

Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+

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