“I find something else problematic”: Naomi Osaka doubles down on French Open fashion despite Laura Siegemund’s criticism | International Sports News
Naomi Osaka is not changing her approach at the French Open, even after criticism that her on-court arrivals are getting more attention than her tennis. The Japanese star once again made a striking entrance before her second-round match against Donna Vekic at Roland Garros. This time, she walked onto the court wearing a flowing ivory-colored train attached to the back of her dress. She also wore a matching warm-up jacket before removing the extra layers ahead of play.The appearance came just days after Osaka’s first-round match, when her opponent, Germany’s Laura Siegemund, questioned the amount of time Osaka was allowed to spend taking off her outfit before the match began. Siegemund made it clear that her issue was not with the design itself but with how tournament rules were applied.Osaka has become known for turning Grand Slam arrivals into fashion moments. At this year’s French Open, she first appeared in a black corset and skirt made from recycled Nike outfits before later revealing a sparkling gold dress that she said reminded her of the Eiffel Tower at night. Despite the discussion surrounding her outfits, Osaka has continued to embrace the attention and says she enjoys keeping fans guessing about what she will wear next.
Naomi Osaka responds to criticism as Laura Siegemund questions French Open rules over outfit changes
After her first-round loss, Laura Siegemund spoke to TNT Sports and explained why she was frustrated.“I came here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show,” Siegemund said. “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 continued by focusing on what she believed was unequal treatment under tournament rules.“I find something else problematic. In our sport, at every tournament they count every second, right up until you’ve unpacked your water bottle. But 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.”“And I also think that with performances like these, every second should be accounted for. That’s the only thing regarding the rules that I don’t think is OK and where, once again, bigger names are treated differently.”Meanwhile, Osaka appeared relaxed about the conversation surrounding her outfits. Speaking about her gold dress, she said it reminded her of the famous Paris landmark.“When I first saw the dress in real life, I felt like I looked like the Eiffel Tower at night-time when it’s sparkling,” Osaka said.“And then I actually got a little worried, because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. I was a little scared that the umpire was going to kick me off the court.”Osaka also explained why fashion remains an important part of her tournament appearances.“Sometimes people say athletes in show business or entertainers or whatever. I feel like, for me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer.”When asked if she had a different outfit planned for every match, Osaka smiled and replied: “You know, I like to keep people on their toes. I think it’s really fun.”The former world No. 1 has built a reputation for bold fashion statements at major events, and based on her latest appearance in Paris, she does not seem interested in slowing down anytime soon.
