Naomi Osaka criticised by opponent for breaking rules with French Open ‘fashion show’

Laura Siegemund claims Naomi Osaka is breaking the rules with her intricate clothing choices and criticised her opponent for putting on a “fashion show” ahead of their first-round encounter at the French Open.

Osaka arrived on Court Suzanne-Lenglen for her opening match at Roland Garros on Tuesday in a ceremonial black skirt and a sleeveless beaded bodice, which she then removed to reveal a sequined gold playing dress for the clash with Siegemund.

It is far from the first time that Osaka has made a statement with her clothing choices, having also worn a jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open earlier this year.

But Siegemund, who lost the match 6-3, 7-6 to the 16th seed from Japan, was not impressed by all the talk about the outfit and hit out at what she sees as a breach of the rules that are inconsistently applied.

“I couldn’t care less,” Siegemund told TNT Sports of Osaka’s catwalk-like entrance. “I come here to play tennis, not to put on a fashion show. And if others want to put on a fashion show, then they should go ahead and do it. That’s totally fine with me.

“I find something else problematic. In our sport, at every tournament they count every second, right up until you’ve unpacked your water bottle. But she can have a minute and a half to change. I have a problem with that, because these rules simply exist and they are what they are – every second is now being watched so closely for us.

“And I also think that with performances like these, every second should be accounted for. That’s the only thing regarding the rules that I don’t think is okay and where, once again, bigger names are treated differently.”

Osaka says she uses fashion to “talk through my clothes” as she is not a very talkative person and explained the thinking behind her latest fashion choice, as well as joking that she was concerned her bold outfit might not be allowed.

“I am a little dramatic when it comes to my fashion sense,” explained Osaka “When I first saw it, I felt like I look like the Eiffel Tower at night time when it’s bright.

“Then I actually got a little worried because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot, so I was a little scared the umpire was going to kick me off the court.

“I got two back-up, normal dresses. Thankfully I didn’t have to wear them.”

Osaka wasn’t the only player to makea statement at the French Open with their on-court attire, as No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka wore two necklaces with diamonds for her straight-sets win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Sabalenka was watching Osaka’s entrance on TNT Sports and gave her approval to the outfit.

“This is sparkling. I love it. I love that she is expressing herself and feels confident,” Sabalenka said. “That’s the beauty of the fashion world, there’s space for anything and I love that she’s bringing it on court.”