Overview
- Osaka beat Antonia Ružić 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to reach the second round after unveiling a theatrical walk-on look at Rod Laver Arena.
- She arrived with a parasol, wide-brimmed hat, veil and layered outfit before changing into a green ruffled dress to play.
- Osaka said the months-in-the-making collaboration with Nike and designer Robert Wun let her express herself, adding she is "a little strange" and focuses on what brings her joy.
- She referenced Harajuku and style trailblazers Serena and Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova as influences, and joked she told herself during the match, "at least you were trending on Twitter."
- Reaction ranged from praise to criticism on social media, with Boris Becker calling the entrance "contradictory" and Aryna Sabalenka applauding the fit with Osaka's personality.