Boris Becker has slammed the “inconsistencies” surrounding Naomi Osaka’s glamorous entrance to the Australian Open.
The Japanese star entered the primary spherical at Rod Laver Enviornment on Tuesday night time carrying a flowing inexperienced and white outfit with a jellyfish motif and carrying a white hat, veil and parasol.
It is nothing new for tennis’ largest names to make vogue statements, however Osaka’s ensemble took issues to a brand new stage.
TNT Sports activities pundit and former world primary Becker has combined emotions in regards to the look, saying: “In fact these are photographs for the media.
“The way in which she stepped onto the court docket was already iconic. No different participant dared to put on an outfit like this.
“However there’s additionally a contradiction. On the one hand, she would not wish to be below an excessive amount of stress, she would not wish to be within the public eye or within the media, and but she seems on Heart Courtroom dressed like that.
“In fact, it introduced her again into the general public eye. I want to level out that a number of years in the past she additionally wanted a psychological break. For me, it is very important deal with the game basically.”
Osaka induced a stir on the 2021 French Open by saying that she wouldn’t maintain a press convention earlier than the event.
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She then withdrew from the occasion after one spherical, citing psychological well being, and solely competed in three extra tournaments that 12 months.
Osaka spoke in regards to the twin nature of her character in a press convention after defeating Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4:
“I do not scream ‘Come on’ that loud in a traditional setting. I really feel like I am a Barbie doll getting dressed up and going out on the court docket and doing issues. Once I come again to the locker room, I am like an actual quiet Naomi.”
Osaka broke down within the ultimate set, however when requested if her high-profile entrance put added stress on her to win, the four-time Grand Slam champion stated:
“I wish to do issues that create pleasure and happiness. In fact, I like vogue, so I stay up for waking up within the morning and strolling and doing different issues. It brings slightly little bit of pleasure to the entire preparation for a recreation.”
“Once I was taking part in at the moment, I simply stated to myself, ‘Preserve your eyes on the highway. If she beats you, it is a bummer. However not less than you are trending on Twitter.'”
Osaka’s look drew approval and slightly envy from world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
“I believe what occurred yesterday was an ideal match for her character, her tradition, in some ways,” Sabalenka stated.
“It was so cool. I want Nike would let me do one thing like this. I used to be daydreaming and attempting to provide you with it, however it wasn’t fairly there but. However I am certain subsequent 12 months I am going to provide you with one thing cool.”
