Naomi Osaka's entrance at the 2026 Australian Open has sparked a frenzy in the tennis and fashion worlds, thanks to her "jellyfish" inspired outfit. The eye-catching ensemble, worn before her first-round match against Antonia Ružić, has been hailed as a bold step in pushing the boundaries of tennis fashion.

Osaka's outfit, designed in collaboration with Nike and London-based designer Robert Wun, featured a long turquoise tunic with white crimped trousers, creating a fluid, ocean-like aesthetic. The outfit was accessorized with a wide-brimmed white hat adorned with a butterfly and a flowing white veil, along with a matching parasol. The blue-green Nike dress she wore on the court also incorporated the jellyfish theme with soft frills.

The inspiration behind the outfit came from an unexpected source: Osaka's two-year-old daughter, Shai. Osaka recounted reading a book to Shai that featured a jellyfish, and her daughter's excitement sparked the idea for the design. Osaka told Vogue that when she showed the image of a jellyfish to Shai, her daughter "got so excited".

Wun, who has designed for celebrities like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Cardi B, incorporated elements that resonated with Osaka's personal history. The butterfly on the hat and umbrella was a nod to the 2021 Australian Open, where a butterfly landed on her face during a match – a moment that went viral. Osaka carefully removed the butterfly during the 2021 match, and she went on to win the tournament. Referencing the 2021 incident, Wun said he wanted to "revisit that story and weave it into this design and collaboration". Osaka stated the butterfly detail "has to do with the Australian Open that I won in 2021".

Osaka's willingness to experiment with fashion has made her a style icon in the sports world. She has previously collaborated with designers like Yoon Ahn of AMBUSH, creating memorable looks such as the crystal-encrusted Labubu's at the 2025 US Open and a tutu tennis dress. This "jellyfish" outfit, however, may be her most dramatic statement yet. As Vogue noted, "Haute couture has never been worn in this way in a live sports setting".

Despite the initial excitement surrounding her outfit, Osaka faced a tough challenge on the court against Ružić. After a two-hour, 22-minute battle, Osaka secured a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory to advance to the second round, where she will face Sorana Cirstea. During the match with Ruzic, Osaka had to have her rackets carried onto the court due to the elaborate outfit.

Osaka's "jellyfish" ensemble is more than just a fashion statement; it's a reflection of her personality, her connection with her daughter, and her appreciation for memorable moments in her career. It reinforces her status as a trendsetter who isn't afraid to express herself through fashion, pushing the boundaries of what's expected in the world of tennis.