Jellyfish, veils and parasols: Why Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open 2026 outfit is going viral

Naomi Osaka has never believed in keeping things low-key when it comes to tennis fashion - and on day three of the Australian Open, she reminded everyone exactly why.

Stepping into Rod Laver Arena for her opening match against Antonia Ruzic, the four-time Grand Slam champion arrived looking less like a regular player and more like something straight out of an underwater fairytale. The inspiration? A jellyfish - and, more importantly, her young daughter, Shai.

Osaka’s entrance alone was theatrical. She wore an ocean-toned tie-dye warm-up jacket with soft frills, teamed with flowing white wide-leg trousers. Over that came a pleated mini skirt, creating a layered look that felt playful, dramatic and totally unexpected on a tennis court. A wide-brimmed hat topped with a sheer white veil and a matching parasol completed the dreamy effect.

Later, she revealed the story behind the look. While reading to her two-year-old, Osaka had come across an image of a jellyfish - delicate, floating, almost magical. That moment stayed with her, and soon turned into the concept for her Australian Open outfit.

The colours echoed the sea - turquoise, blue and hints of green - while the ruffles mimicked the soft movement of jellyfish tentacles. Every detail felt intentional, right down to the tiny white butterflies placed on her hat and parasol. It was a subtle throwback to 2021, when a butterfly famously landed on her face during her title-winning run.

The entire look was crafted by London-based designer Robert Wun, who is known for dressing some of the world’s biggest stars. Together, he and Osaka turned a simple warm-up into a fashion moment that instantly set social media buzzing.

Of course, Osaka has made this kind of statement before. From bold bodysuits to dramatic silhouettes, she’s built a reputation for blending elite sport with high fashion - and doing it in a way that feels personal, not performative.

Beyond the outfit, Osaka’s story off the court remains just as powerful. She is a four-time Grand Slam winner, a former world No. 1, and the first Asian woman to hold the top ranking in singles. Now also a mother, she’s adding a softer, more intimate layer to her public image - one that shows up not just in interviews, but in the clothes she chooses to wear.

Once again, Osaka proved that at the Australian Open, the tennis may matter - but sometimes, the entrance steals the show.