Naomi Osaka leaves the flowers at home for an all-business Wimbledon look
She’s worn sunflowers and cherry blossoms this season—but this week, the former world No. 1 is ditching the theme and keeping things minimal.
The first two days at Wimbledon witnessed historic levels of top-player carnage, with a record-tying 23 seeds crashing out in the opening round.
Among the casualties? Some standout all-white kits: No. 2 seed Coco Gauff’s ode to British tailoring, Jessica Pegula’s dramatic walkout look, Lorenzo Musetti’s Bottega Veneta leather jacket all made stylish exits from the tournament.
Read More: One and done: Rounding up the best Wimbledon outfits we lost in Day 2 chaos
Naomi Osaka, tennis’ most devoted fashionista, took a different route on Wednesday.
Gone were the signature hair accessories, long nails, multi-layered outfits and matching shoes. The former world No. 1 has kept things simple this week at the All England Club—and it’s paying off, as she picked up back-to-back wins to reach the third round.
“I was going to do something, but then I felt really embarrassed, 'cause I always kind of have to hype myself up, or I think that I'm doing too much,” Osaka told reporters.
“Since it's Wimbledon and I haven't really seen anyone doing anything, I felt like I was being the extra one again.”
Osaka, who once vowed to treat every Grand Slam like her own personal Met Gala, has followed a style theme at each major this year. Her looks are inspired by different flowers, which are interpreted into a court-ready, head-to-toe ensemble.
More on Osaka's major style:
• Breaking down Naomi Osaka's sunflower-powered Australian Open kit
• Naomi Osaka had to clip sakura-themed nails during Roland Garros defeat
In Melbourne, it was the sunflower, in honor of the Australian sunshine and the Happy Slam’s bright energy. At Roland Garros, she channeled cherry blossom season in pink and red. But her Paris look backfired mid-match, with Osaka needing to clip her long nails and pull up her hair during her first-round loss to Paula Badosa.
The third part of the fashion story was set to continue at Wimbledon, where the all-white dress code hasn’t stopped Osaka from making a statement in the past. (Last year’s frilly, layered dress still comes to mind.) But this time, she’s kept things understated—and hinted at a grand finale instead.
“Spoiler alert, but the US Open (outfit) is really extra,” she teased. “So I thought maybe I should be very calm this tournament.”
That calm has translated to her tennis, too. The four-time Grand Slam winner moved past qualifier Talia Gibson and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets to equal her best result at Wimbledon (2017, 2018). She now faces Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova next on Friday.
Read More: Naomi Osaka confirms split from longtime partner Cordae, will co-parent daughter Shai
Off the court, Osaka had another big win to celebrate: Her daughter Shai turned two on Wednesday.
“I definitely thought about Shai's birthday today while I was playing my match,” she said. “I woke up this morning and laid in bed with her, and I felt really grateful to be living the life that I'm living because I get to travel with her.
“She's so young, but she's already been to so many different places. It really is a blessing for me. I'm just excited for when she grows older and she can come with me to site.
“I'm really grateful that I was able to win in order to play a next match.”
