Osaka Makes Winning Return to Tokyo with Japanese-Inspired Outfit

Posted : 27 October 2026

Naomi Osaka marked her return to the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo with a stylish tribute to her Japanese roots before defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) on Tuesday. The four-time Grand Slam champion wore a blue robe featuring crane patterns and long sleeves inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos, attracting attention before securing her place in the second round.

The 29-year-old explained that the design was inspired by her mother’s home in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. Osaka described her appearance at the tournament as a homecoming and said she wanted to create a special fashion moment for her return to Japan, just as she had done at major tournaments around the world.

Known for her distinctive on-court fashion, Osaka has regularly used custom-designed outfits to express her personality and cultural background. Her previous looks have included a jellyfish-inspired ensemble at the Australian Open and a kimono-inspired outfit at Wimbledon. She revealed that the same designer was responsible for her latest Tokyo appearance and hinted that fans could expect more surprises during the tournament.

The match was Osaka’s first appearance at the Pan Pacific Open in four years. Her previous campaign in 2022 ended prematurely when abdominal pain forced her to withdraw before her second-round match. This time, she returned to the Tokyo court with renewed confidence and a different outlook on life.

Osaka said motherhood had played a significant role in changing her approach to tennis. After giving birth to her daughter, Shai, she took approximately 15 months away from the sport before returning to competition in 2023. Reflecting on the difference between her mindset then and now, she explained that she felt calmer and better able to maintain perspective, crediting her daughter with helping her find balance.

On court, Osaka faced a difficult challenge against world No. 35 Paolini, who had won their previous meeting. The Japanese star took control of the opening set with powerful groundstrokes and accurate serving, winning it 6-3. The second set proved considerably tighter as Paolini increased the pressure and pushed the contest towards a tiebreak.

Osaka held her nerve when it mattered, using her serve to secure the tiebreak 7-4 and complete the victory in straight sets. She finished the match with seven aces, compared with Paolini’s one, and said she felt confident heading into the decisive moments because of the strength of her service game.

The victory provides Osaka with a positive start in front of her home supporters as she seeks another strong result in Tokyo. Beyond the result, her return reflects the personal and professional changes she has experienced since becoming a mother, while her latest outfit once again demonstrates how she combines tennis, fashion and her Japanese heritage.

Osaka Makes Winning Return to Tokyo with Japanese-Inspired Outfit

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