It seems like Naomi Osaka’s passion for fashion is unbending, but her recent fashion statement didn’t sit well with some fans.

The 28-year-old’s time at the Australian Open was cut short by injury, forcing her to withdraw early. But after some rest, Osaka made it to Indian Wells 2026, and on March 7, she showed up in a head-to-toe leopard print outfit, a custom Nike "huntress" kit.

"I wanted to convey that I am like a leopard hunting in the desert, with iron, with strength, and I simply created that story with my design”, said Osaka about her outfit. Which grabbed major attention with its very extravagant golden mouth and ear accessories.

Two points to note: the Japanese defeated Jiménez Kasintseva 7-5, 6-2 in that game. And she has pulled off various bold fashion stunts before, like her jellyfish-themed outfit in this year’s Australian Open. But this time, fans on X thought she was crossing the line.

Fans Called Naomi Osaka ‘Extra’

Based on the game results, Osaka was quite like the huntress she aspired to be. But many thought her focus was on her outfit more than on the game. Fans marked this move as “extra”, and instead of enhancing her personality, it just showed where it lacks.

“She is so extra”, wrote a user. While someone put it more bluntly, “I think she’s more worried about her outfit than she is her play”. “Does she even want to play tennis, or is she just playing dress up??” asked one. And someone even wrote, “Using ‘fashion’ to compensate for a lack of personality.”

One commentator explicitly put up their statement. Mentioning that the fans do not care about what Osaka is wearing, but rather the win-loss columns. If she isn’t playing longer, there’s no point in seeing what she’s wearing.

“Less fashion more wins, please get back to winning”, they wrote. “We don’t care what you’re wearing if you’re not gonna be there long enough for us to see it. @naomiosaka I love you, but I want you back on top”. Another echoed the same sentiment, “She needs to focus on getting back in the top 10.”

However, some people marvelled at how great she looked and praised her long-running fashion statements that offend the ‘haters’.

But do you think that the negative comments will deter her from sporting such unique outfits for her matches?

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy