Expert counters criticism of Naomi Osaka's 'fashion show' from beaten opponent at French Open - 'Should take themselves less seriously'

React to this story

Former British women's No. 1 Anne Keothavong admired Naomi Osaka's confidence amid backlash from other tennis players towards her eye-catching outfits at the French Open.

'More sparkles!' - Watch as Osaka debuts another very bold look at French Open

Video credit: TNT Sports

Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka has dazzled with sparkling clothing when walking onto court for her first two matches, including sequinned attire when playing.

The former world No. 1 entered Court Suzanne-Lenglen for her first-round clash with Laura Siegemund in a black sequinned dress before coming on in a sweeping train in the second round, both twinned with a dazzling golden playing top.

Keothavong has been a big fan of what Osaka has been wearing and believes the added headlines towards tennis can only benefit the sport.

US Open Mixed Doubles -

Djokovic to partner Sabalenka in US Open mixed doubles, but Alcaraz, Sinner among absentees

28/07/2026 at 18:01

She said on TNT Sports: "Oh, I love it. I love her sense of fun, you know, it's not necessarily my style, but that doesn't matter.

"I love the fact that she has an interest in fashion and she feels confident enough to express herself in that way and I now look forward to her outfits at the Grand Slams.

"'What is Naomi Osaka going to wear today or how is she going to shock or surprise everyone?' I feel like more players could do that, more brands could get on board and just give players something different to wear. It's a good talking point, it creates headlines, in print and in social.

"It gets people talking about the sport, about the player, it's win-win.

"However, saying that, you've also got to be able to deliver on the tennis court and, so far, Naomi Osaka has been able to do that."

Keothavong shuts down Siegemund criticism

Not everyone has been a fan of this new side of Osaka though.

First-round opponent Siegemund criticised the "fashion show" and believed Osaka was getting preferential treatment as she had more time to change before the match.

Highlights: Osaka sparkles in latest striking outfit as she reaches second round in style

Video credit: TNT Sports

”I couldn't care less,” Siegemund told Eurosport Germany. ”I come here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show. And if others want to put on a fashion show, then they should go ahead and do it. That's totally fine with me.

"She can have a minute and a half to change. I have a problem with that, because these rules simply exist and they are what they are - every second is now being watched so closely for us.

"I don’t think it's okay and where, once again, bigger names are treated differently.”

Keothavong, on the other hand, countered Siegemund's comments, believing Osaka's dress-sense is not affecting the on-court competition in any way.

"I think some people should probably take themselves less seriously," she said.

"I don't think it affected her opponent's performance or the match in any way. It probably drew a lot of gasps but it didn't disrupt the match in any way and it's each to their own.

"In the world we're living in, if you are comfortable and if you are finding outlets to express yourself, if you can't do it verbally, but your thing is the way you dress or the colour of your hair, or what jewellery you're wearing, then so be it.

"I don't think it's hurting anyone, and I think it also captures the imaginations of perhaps fans who don't necessarily follow tennis year round and I think that can only be a good thing for the sport."

Sabalenka throws support behind Osaka

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also backed Osaka's outfit choices and is a huge fan of fashion and sport partnering up once more.

Osaka attended this year's Met Gala and was joined by fellow athletes Lindsey Vonn, Steph Curry, Alysa Liu and Serena and Venus Williams as all sports start to embrace fashion more.

Roland-Garros Women's Singles -

'Intense' Sabalenka 'having so much fun' as world No. 1 - 'She's so relaxed'

26/05/2026 at 15:00

Sabalenka empathised that she too plans her outfits, which featured two diamond necklaces in the first round, and believes it helps her play better.

She said: ”It probably sounds a bit crazy but when I feel good about what I’m wearing, how I look on court, I tend to perform much better,” she said.

”I like to bring a little bit of fashion on the tennis court. I know the dress that I will wear on the Grand Slam and I just try to come up with something to match the outfit.

”I love that she is expressing herself and feels confident. That's the beauty of the fashion world, there's space for anything and I love that she's bringing it on court."

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream every court from the 2026 French Open exclusively live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Wimbledon Women's Singles -

Osaka reveals what she 'won't do again' after Wimbledon run ends

08/07/2026 at 07:39

Wimbledon Women's Singles -

'I f***** it up' – Sabalenka says she wants to 'get drunk' after surprise Osaka defeat

06/07/2026 at 06:08