Naomi Osaka had set high expectations with her enthusiasm over her outfit for the 2024 US Open. However, fans were left disappointed by the custom Nike kit, questioning the Japanese for creating excessive hype.
After missing the 2023 edition of the New York Major due to maternity leave, Osaka is set to make her much-awaited return to Flushing Meadows. The two-time US Open champion generated buzz for her comeback ahead of her campaign, teasing that her kit would be the "best outfit" she's ever worn.
"My US Open outfit is about to be the best outfit I’ve ever worn and I’m so excited," Naomi Osaka wrote on Threads and shared on her Instagram story.
Naomi Osaka recently unveiled her outfit in a feature for The New York Times, sharing that it was inspired by a 'Lolita Goth' aesthetic. The designer Yoon Ahn captured the "cutesy-ness" of the theme by designing a black bomber jacket adorned with a large white bow on the back.
The former World No. 1 will don a green kit for day sessions and a black one for evening matches, both featuring small bows on her ruffled and tiered skirt, along with a white waistband. Her Nike shoes will also have adorable bows on the back.
However, fans were left underwhelmed by Naomi Osaka's outfit, especially after the high expectations she had set for it.
"I knew she was gonna be on some bullsh*t the minute she said "this is gonna be the best kit I’ve ever worn"💀," one fan commented.
"So is this what this all fuss was about? But at least Naomi likes it I guess so what do I know lol," another fan chimed in.
"No way this is the best kit Naomi's ever won. Not even the best this year," a fan wrote.
Fans continued to chastise the Japanese for overhyping her outfit.
"Now Naomi…the hype and build up to give us this…," a fan wrote.
"I’m sorry Naomi I love you but that is a waiter a** kit," said another.
Others, meanwhile, suggested that Osaka's outfit bore a strong resemblance to the designs previously worn by Serena Williams.
"Close enough welcome back Serena Williams," one fan posted.
"Given how much she studies Serena (even in preparation for French this year she said she studied Serena on clay), I wouldn't be surprised if this dress was inspired by Serena's black swan tutu at the 2018 USO," another fan chimed in.
"Remind me Serena's 2021 Wimbledon-Round 1 losing to Sasnovich...," another fan commented.
Naomi Osaka excited for US Open 1R clash against "polar opposite" Jelena Ostapenko
As Naomi Osaka commences her quest for her third US Open title, she will take on Jelena Ostapenko in her opening match. Osaka triumphed in their sole previous encounter on tour, beating the Latvian 6-4, 7-5 at the 2016 French Open.
Speaking in her pre-tournament press conference, the former World No. 1 expressed her excitement for what she expected to be a "fun" clash, highlighting their "polar opposite" playing styles.
"My first-round match... I think it's going to be really fun. She's honestly one of my favorite players to watch. I think we are polar opposites in a way. Yeah, I respect her a lot. She was the first player in our generation to win a Grand Slam. She's a champion. I'm really looking forward to it," Naomi Osaka said.
If Naomi Osaka beats Ostapenko, she will take on the winner of the match between Karolina Muchova and Katie Volynets in the second round, followed by a potential third-round clash against Leylah Fernandez.
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