Naomi Osaka found herself on the receiving end of harsh online criticism after unveiling another daring walkout outfit, then suffering a straight-sets US Open defeat to world No. 2 Elena Rybakina on Monday afternoon.
The four-time Grand Slam winner has been one of the major talking points at Flushing Meadows this week, not only for her tennis but for a series of bold, runway-influenced looks that have followed her onto court.
But the attention surrounding her US Open fashion choices quickly turned sour during her round-of-16 meeting with Rybakina, who overpowered Osaka 6-1, 6-4 to bring the Japanese star’s campaign to an abrupt end.
Before the first point was played, Osaka had already drawn plenty of attention as she walked out wearing a dramatic oversized hooded coat, complete with a thick faux-fur lining.
The streetwear-inspired outfit marked a noticeable change from her previous ensembles, but once Osaka struggled to make an impact against Rybakina, tennis fans on social media were quick to turn the look into a punchline.
One unimpressed user wrote on X: “Osaka comes out in a ridiculous coat and gets absolutely smoked in 1st set. Maybe leave the ludicrous bling in the locker room.”
Naomi Osaka showed off another striking pre-match look at the US Open on Monday afternoon
But the Japanese star bowed out of the tournament after losing in straight sets
Elena Rybakina secured a 6-1, 6-4 win over Osaka to punch her ticket to the quarterfinals
Another fan took aim at the pre-match theatrics, writing: ‘Clothes are great, but let’s see if she can back it up on the court. Style points don’t win matches.’
‘What is this, a modeling shoot? The outfits are garish!’ another spectator blasted.
‘Naomi Osaka latest outfit, looks like an oversized fur coat number? Meanwhile her opponent and fellow elite athlete Elena Rybakina entered in her playing outfit, not seeking any attention just here to play a match of tennis,’ another wrote.
The online backlash proved swift as Rybakina wasted no time seizing complete control of the contest, ruthless on serve and blasting groundstrokes past Osaka to snatch the opening set 6-1 in a blistering 22 minutes.
Osaka offered stiffer resistance in the second set, however, Rybakina’s relentless power proved decisive once again, breaking through in the crucial stages to seal the set 6-4 and punch her ticket to the quarterfinals in just over an hour.
Speaking after the game, Rybakina said: ‘I honestly didn’t expect it. I played really well today. Feeling the ball was really good from my side.
‘A bit lucky in some moments. I caught some lines. Super happy with the performance. Naomi is a tough opponent.
‘I knew no matter the score I needed to focus on each ball. She’s also an aggressive player. I’m very glad with the way I played today. Thank you so much for an amazing atmosphere guys.’
The Japanese star was swept aside in just over an hour in the round of 16 clash
Osaka wore an eye-catching, oversized hooded coat lined with thick faux-fur on Monday
Osaka, meanwhile, had been the center of attention throughout the tournament after showing off a range of bold pre-match looks at the US Open.
However, after arriving for her first-round match at Roland Garros in a flowing black skirt and corset, then unveiling a shimmering gold dress, her opponent Laura Siegemund aimed a pointed comment in her direction.
‘I came here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show,’ Siegemund had told TNT Sports. ‘And if others want to put on a fashion show, then they should go ahead and do it. That’s totally fine with me.’
But Donna Vekic, who Osaka faced in the second-round, told critics to ‘relax’ and embrace Osaka’s approach.
‘Some people take tennis way too seriously,’ she said. ‘Relax, it’s just an outfit. I think it’s good that she’s doing different things, expressing herself through fashion.
‘Whether it’s good or bad, that’s a different thing, it’s fashion.’
