Osaka's 'Kill Bill'-inspired kimono wows at Wimbledon before dominant win

Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance on day one of Wimbledon, not only securing a first-round victory over France's Elsa Jacquemot but also captivating fans with a distinctive Japanese-inspired ensemble. The four-time Grand Slam champion graced Court 3 in an all-white kimono, adorned with embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, a creation by Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi. This traditional garment, paired with a kanzashi hair ornament, was worn before she revealed a white Nike dress, a nod to Wimbledon's stringent all-white attire policy.

Osaka explained that her cultural background, combined with the tournament's traditional dress code, inspired the outfit. "When I think about Wimbledon obviously it's all white and the oldest tournament. There’s the tradition of it all and in my head when I think about that and I think about my culture, my heritage, which is Japanese and Asian, and then if I dive deeper into Japanese culture I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is the kimono," she told reporters.

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When I think about Wimbledon obviously it's all white and the oldest tournament. There’s the tradition of it all and in my head when I think about that and I think about my culture, my heritage, which is Japanese and Asian, and then if I dive deeper into Japanese culture I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is the kimono.

Her inspiration also drew from popular culture, specifically the iconic film 'Kill Bill.' "I was thinking about my favourite movies. I love 'Kill Bill' and then I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu's character, and she has an all white kimono. I remember thinking that was really cool and amazing. It was my interpretation of that and also my respect and love for Japan," Osaka added.

Beyond her fashion statement, Osaka's tennis prowess was on full display. She delivered 34 winners and converted four of nine break points during the 79-minute match, decisively defeating Jacquemot. Notably, the former world number one showed no apparent signs of the foot injury that had forced her to withdraw from the Bad Homburg final the previous week. She is set to face Anastasia Gasanova or Emiliana Arango in the next round, continuing her Wimbledon campaign after previous eye-catching outfits at the Australian and French Opens.

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I was thinking about my favourite movies. I love 'Kill Bill' and then I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu's character, and she has an all white kimono. I remember thinking that was really cool and amazing. It was my interpretation of that and also my respect and love for Japan.