Celebrity Style

The Hidden Meaning Behind Naomi Osaka’s Best Tennis Outfits

The messages can range from political to patriotic.

by Mekita Rivas
Naomi Osaka's best tennis dresses and clothes through the years often carry hidden meanings, like he...
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Naomi Osaka is an undisputed tennis champ, but she also has serious fashion cred. As she competes in the 2021 US Open, it’s the perfect time to reflect on her most memorable on-court fashion moments.

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During her women’s singles first round match at the 2021 US Open, Osaka opted for a high-contrast black and yellow ensemble, topped with a face mask inspired by anime, a style of animation that originated in her home country of Japan.
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At the 2020 US Open, Osaka wore a mask with the name Ahmaud Arbery printed on it to raise awareness about unarmed Black men who had been killed by police.
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At the same tournament, she wore a mask printed with Elijah McClain’s name, who died after being placed in a carotid hold by police and injected with ketamine by paramedics in August 2019.
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At the Tokyo Olympics, Osaka represented her home country and Team Japan in a head-to-toe red look, including hip-length red braids. Red, of course, is the color represented on the Japanese flag.
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During the Western & Southern Open in August 2020, Osaka walked onto the court wearing orange wristbands and a ‘Black Lives Matter’ T-shirt, showing her solidarity with the movement against racism and police brutality.
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Orange and black was again the color combo of choice for the tennis star at the 2019 US Open. Neon green and purple ombré sneakers added a vibrant finishing touch.
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Osaka stepped out in another orange and black ensemble at the 2021 Australian Open. This time, it featured a colorful abstract print on her leggings and jacket.
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She channeled calming energy in a gradient of blue hues at the 2019 Australian Open. Crisp white sneaks kept this look classic with a preppy edge.
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Bold black and gray stripes created a striking on-court look at the 2021 French Open. True to form, Osaka accessorized with a coordinating tennis visor.
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At the 2018 Miami Open, Osaka stuck with her go-to black apparel, but added her signature hint of color with eye-catching red elements and accessories.

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