Aryna Sabalenka Reacts to Naomi Osaka’s Viral Nike Australian Open 2026 Outfit

At the Australian Open 2026, tennis fashion emerged as one of the biggest off-court talking points, especially after Naomi Osaka’s headline-grabbing outfit stole the spotlight and sparked reactions from fellow players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka . Osaka’s bold fashion statement prompted Sabalenka to express a mix of admiration and a light-hearted reflection on her own creative freedom with Nike, her long-time sponsor.

Osaka made waves with a theatrical entrance at Rod Laver Arena, wearing a dramatic ensemble created in collaboration with Nike and designer Robert Wun. The outfit, which featured flowing layers, a wide-brimmed hat with a veil, and jellyfish-like frills in shades of turquoise and green, was inspired by an image from a children’s book that delighted her daughter. It also subtly nodded to her iconic butterfly moment at the 2021 Australian Open. After securing her match victory, Osaka revealed that Nike had given her complete creative freedom, describing the outfit as being “modelled after a jellyfish” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to bring her vision to life.

While many fans and commentators celebrated Osaka’s look as a moment of bold self-expression and innovation in tennis fashion, Sabalenka’s remarks added an interesting layer to the discussion. Speaking after her own match, the Belarusian star described Osaka’s outfit as a “perfect fit” for her personality and praised the creativity behind it. At the same time, Sabalenka subtly hinted that she would love to enjoy similar creative liberties in her own on-court fashion, particularly at future Grand Slam tournaments. She even joked about fantasising over a red-carpet-style entrance outfit of her own, perhaps a long coat or another statement piece, if Nike “lets” her explore that side of her image.

This exchange between two of tennis’s biggest stars highlights how fashion and personal branding in tennis are becoming increasingly significant in a sport once focused almost exclusively on athletic performance. Osaka’s Australian Open outfit was more than just clothing; it was a carefully crafted statement designed to blend personal storytelling with modern couture. Drawing inspiration from her daughter’s fascination with jellyfish and key moments from her career, the look reflected themes of identity, motherhood, and creative expression.

Critics and fans alike weighed in on the moment, with many applauding Osaka’s unique approach to her on-court image, while some traditionalists questioned whether such fashion statements risk overshadowing the sport itself. On social media platforms like Reddit, opinions remained divided. While several users viewed the outfit as harmless fun and a refreshing form of self-expression, others dismissed it as attention-seeking or a potential distraction from the game.

For Sabalenka, who has largely stuck to consistent fashion choices and worn notable Nike kits at major tournaments, the conversation underscores how sponsorships can influence athlete expression. Her comments, both appreciative and slightly wistful, suggest she may be hoping for more opportunities to make her own fashion statement at upcoming Grand Slam events.

Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open 2026 outfit became far more than a wardrobe choice. It served as a catalyst for broader discussions around creative freedom, athlete identity, and the evolving role of fashion in professional tennis. With Aryna Sabalenka’s reaction adding further intrigue, fans can expect debates around tennis fashion to intensify as the season unfolds.