Osaka surprised tens of thousands of spectators at Rod Laver Arena when she appeared like a fashion model, sporting an unusual dress mimicking a jellyfish, a white wide-brimmed hat, and a matching umbrella.

Osaka enters Rod Laver Arena for her first-round match against Ruzic at the Australian Open on 20/1. Photo: Reuters

The two-time champion then secured victories against Antonia Ruzic in the first round and Sorana Cirstea in the second round, both in three sets. "This relates to the 2021 tournament I won," the 16th seed explained regarding the outfit's design concept.

In the final five years ago, a butterfly flew onto Osaka's face, and the Japanese player caught it, then gently released it off the court. Afterward, she defeated Ons Jabeur to claim her second title.

"I sat down with Nike and designer Robert Wun to create this outfit," Osaka added. "This is my favorite tournament, and it's fun to be able to do what I want."

Osaka during her second-round match against Cirstea at the Australian Open, on Margaret Court, Melbourne, Australia on 22/1. Photo: Reuters

The Australian Open has no dress code, serving as the first major tournament of the year for players to showcase their season's outfit designs. This year, the event featured a series of notable outfits from big names, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka.

The aforementioned trio all secured spots in the third round. Sinner just defeated James Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on the afternoon of 22/1, while Alcaraz will face Corentin Moutet tomorrow morning, 23/1, Hanoi time.

Osaka won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, then took a maternity break. She made an impressive return late last season, reaching the Canada Open final and US Open semifinals. This propelled her back into the world's top 20, and she is considered a contender for major titles this year.

According to the draw, Osaka could potentially face world number two Iga Swiatek in the fourth round and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

Vy Anh