Overview
- Osaka, who lost to Elena Rybakina in the fourth round on Monday, Sept. 7, saw her US Open run end in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.
- Across four matches she staged custom walk‑on reveals styled by Law Roach, wearing designs from Who Decides War, Thom Browne, Monse and KidSuper that leaned into a basketball theme tied to Nike’s tournament kits.
- Hours after the loss she posted on Threads on Sept. 8 saying “idgaf if you don’t like me,” defending her looks as worthwhile if they make it easier for players who follow and linking the backlash to earlier criticism she faced over speaking about mental health.
- The wardrobe drew a sharply divided response with some fans and players calling the theatrics a distraction and others and fashion outlets praising the use of walk‑ons to build a personal brand under bespoke sponsorship support.
- The episode highlights a shifting moment in tennis where athlete styling, sponsor collaborations and court‑side timing rules collide and may prompt tournaments and brands to more clearly define how walk‑on fashion fits into match protocols and athlete branding.