Nike has once again found itself in tough waters after an insider report confirmed that only Naomi Osaka’s contract guarantees total fashion exclusivity. This has now shed light on the behind-the-scenes part of the contract between World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Nike, where the former’s outfit, despite being custom-designed, was seen being worn by another player at the French Open on Sunday.
The French Open is already gearing up for a thrilling spree of showdowns between some of the biggest WTA stars, and the ongoing outfit controversy has only added to the excitement and anticipation. Sabalenka, a renowned long-time partner with Nike, and Oksana Selekhmeteva wore the exact black-and-red mesh outfit actually designed for the Belarusian, which has now raised questions about how exclusive their partnership is.
Naomi Osaka, however, hasn’t yet seen a custom apparel design by Nike for the Japanese star being donned by other tennis players or sold publicly yet. Now, amidst the ongoing backlash, a tennis insider report has revealed that Osaka remains the only athlete who will have an exclusive custom-designed wardrobe by Nike in her closet, as stated in her partnership contract with the brand.
The report further mentioned that Nike does have plans to extend this privilege to other athletes by 2027.
Osaka has enjoyed this exclusivity for a long while. Back during the January Australian Open, Osaka was seen sporting a jellyfish-inspired walk-on gown, exclusively designed for the Japanese phenom by designer Robert Wun in an exclusive collab.
Both Sabalenka and Osaka sit at Nike’s absolute elite tiers, alongside names like Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz and LeBron James. Their contracts guarantee exclusive payouts, autonomous brand identity, and much more.
Naomi Osaka Talks About Using Her Fashion to Communicate with the World
Naomi Osaka has often sported outfits that symbolized her profile like no other in modern tennis. During a recent interview, Osaka spoke about how much it meant to her to use her wardrobe, not just as a physical thing to cherish, but as a medium to let the world know who she is.
“I think for me it’s one of the most fun things that I can do, and it’s a way to express yourself, it’s a story you want to convey. Also I think it’s just fun for the people watching it as well,” she said (2:15).
As the ongoing backlash with Nike continues, it remains to be seen what outfit Osaka and will sport at Roland Garros. The former World No. 1 will play her first match on Tuesday, against Laura Siegemund.
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