It’s the end of August in New York City, which can only mean one thing: the U.S. Open has completely taken over. This year especially, it feels like all anyone’s talking about or actually doing is attending the renowned tennis tournament located in Flushing, Queens at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s the hottest ticket of the summer, and if you’re lucky and get to go, there’s a chance you’ll also bear witness to one of tennis’s biggest (and best-dressed) stars, Naomi Osaka, playing on the stadium’s hard courts. Osaka is a top draw of the tournament, both because she’s a two-time champion of the U.S. Open—she won it in 2018 and 2020—and her court style never disappoints.
As an ambassador for both Nike and Tag Heuer, the 26-year-old sensation is always outfitted in the very best match-day fits, specifically when she plays at the U.S. Open, which she told Who What Wear was her favorite slam to dress for. We caught up with the four-time Grand Slam winner ahead of the tournament at Tag Heuer’s Fifth Avenue flagship store to talk all about her signature court style, what makes the U.S. Open special, what watch she’ll be playing in, and more. Read all about it below.
What makes the U.S. Open special for you compared to other Grand Slam tournaments?
Osaka: “I grew up here until I was nine, so I have a lot of memories of coming to the tournament. It was also the first Grand Slam that I won, so just a lot of really good memories.”
Which slam is the most fun to dress for?
Osaka: “The U.S. Open. I think Nike always lets me do something cool during the U.S. Open, and I just have memories of watching players, specifically Serena [Williams], taking her jacket off and [revealing] something incredible underneath.”
Naomi Osaka during the Women’s Singles First Round match at the 2024 U.S. Open
As we approach the U.S. Open, what can you tell me about the looks you’re planning to wear this year?
Osaka: “I can say that it’s going to be one of my favorite outfits I’ve ever worn if not my favorite. And the process of creating the outfit was really fun.”
How involved are you in that process?
Osaka: “I’m actually very involved. I love being able to get creative, see everything that goes on, and pick fabrics and pick colors.”
You’ve had some pretty incredible court looks through the years, from the custom Sacai x Nike look from the 2019 U.S. Open to this year’s ruffled Nike set for Wimbledon. What do you love about combining your craft on the court with your interest in fashion?
Osaka: “I love the fact that nothing feels limited—it almost feels like anything is possible. And I think with sport, it should feel like anything is possible. Exploring the boundaries and pushing them for me is always one of my biggest goals.”
Naomi Osaka in the Women’s Singles Final match at the 2021 Australian Open
