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Naomi Osaka says iconic walk-on outfit added no extra pressure in Australian Open first-round win over Antonia Ruzic.

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Naomi Osaka made perhaps the boldest entrance to any Grand Slam in history as she stunned Rod Laver Arena by walking onto the main show court in a stunning jellyfish-inspired dress, a veil and holding a parasol. The two-time Australian Open champion won her first set but ultimately survived a huge scare and justified her entrance by eventually completing the victory in a tense third set.

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

Video credit: TNT Sports

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka said her bold walk-on outfit did not add any pressure to win her first-round match against Antonia Ruzic.

Osaka made perhaps the grandest walk-on entrance in Grand Slam history as she came onto Rod Laver Arena in a jellyfish-inspired dress, veiled and holding a parasol, while donning a gigantic hat that was decorated with a butterfly.

The question from there was whether she could justify the bold fashion choice with a victory and she survived a major scare in coming out a 6-3 3-6 6-4 victor.

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Asked in her post-match press conference whether the eccentric ensemble added any further pressure to win the match, Osaka replied: "Honestly, I realise I'm a little strange because I don't really think I care.

"Like, for me, I just feel like I want to do things that, like, create joy and happiness.

"For me, obviously, I really love fashion. That makes me excited to wake up and do the whole walk-on. It just creates a little bit more joy in that whole match preparation.

"But no, I don't think in my mind, 'I'm going to put this on, and if I lose, it's a wrap'.

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

Video credit: TNT Sports

"The only thing I realise that I do change is my hair sometimes. Like, if I put it in a ponytail, sometimes I can't see. Then obviously I had braids. I really can't see if I play with braids. Yeah, that's the only real thing that I'm conscious of."

The Japanese star started the match strongly, securing an immediate break advantage.

Ruzic, though, would not be overpowered in the opening set. After staving off four break points to avoid falling a double-break behind in a 23-point service game, Ruzic went on to seize Osaka's serve and restore parity.

An exchange of holds ensued before Osaka made her timely attack - clinching an advantage once more on deuce for 5-3 - filling the air on Rod Laver Arena with an almighty roar - an indication of the stern test administered by her No. 65-ranked opponent.

Osaka survives scare as she battles to three-set win

Video credit: TNT Sports

A love hold ensured Osaka would take the opener but her momentum stalled in the second set as she went a break down to Ruzic, who became increasingly astute in the baseline exchanges.

Four-time major winner Osaka appeared increasingly frustrated at her unforced errors, taking on words of encouragement from coach Tomasz Wiktorowski in her corner.

But she could not thwart the positive trajectory of Ruzic, who staved off two break points and - after a lengthy stoppage due to a fault with the newly-introduced net post lights - clinched the set on deuce.

A competitive decider saw Osaka strike first - breaking to 15 - but Ruzic immediately hit back and unforced errors began to make the No. 16 seed's task appear a difficult one to overcome.

Ruzic was next to forge her way ahead, seizing Osaka for a 4-3 lead. This time, it was the Japanese star with an immediate response, levelling at 4-4 and setting up an enticing finale.

Seemingly with a renewed focus, Osaka thumped home two aces in a love hold - shifting the pressure back onto her opponent who was serving to stay in the tournament.

As Ruzic thumped long and then into the net, Osaka saw her opportunity and capitalised, running home a decisive break and ultimately tense victory with a clinical backhand deep into the corner, for which Ruzic had no reply.

Watch as bizarre net-light malfunction causes delay in Osaka's opening match

Video credit: TNT Sports

Osaka explained the change in her strategy that helped her survive the scare in the decider.

"I mean, honestly, what was going in my head was that I thought my level was pretty good," Osaka said. "If she's playing at a level that's higher than mine the entire time, then she deserves to win.

"Obviously I don't want that to happen. But if it does, then it's out of my hands because I'm literally doing the best that I can.

"I tried to change it up a little. I know she had a really good backhand. I tried to hit more to her forehand. I tried to be a little bit more solid, then kind of accelerate when I could.

"Then obviously my serve came in really clutch at the end."

Osaka will face Sorana Cirstea in the second round.

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