Naomi Osaka's French Open Outfit Sparks Debate on Fashion in Sports

At the 2026 French Open, Naomi Osaka wore a three-part outfit by Swiss couturier Kevin Germanier: a voluminous black tulle skirt over a caramel-brown sequined top and shorts. After her match, German player Laura Siegemund criticized Osaka for receiving extra time, calling the outfit a distraction. Osaka's fashion choices, including a veiled hat by Robert Wun at the Australian Open, continue a legacy of athletes like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Florence Griffith Joyner, and Sha'Carri Richardson challenging dress codes. The French Open banned catsuits after Serena Williams wore one in 2018 to manage post-childbirth blood clots. Men's football also has a history of expressive style, from Günter Netzer's long hair to David Beckham's earrings. Osaka's outfits generate media attention that boosts women's sports visibility, addressing the gender pay gap: in 2022, only 16% of sports media coverage was dedicated to women's sports despite 70% of people enjoying watching them.