Tennis: 'I don't want to be famous,' Naomi Osaka explains her pre-match fashion choices

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis player, addressed her distinctive fashion choices at recent tournaments, clarifying that her intention is not to seek publicity but rather to push her boundaries and explore different aspects of her life. Despite her high-profile appearances in fashion, Osaka emphasized that her core focus remains on tennis.

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I actually don't want to be famous, so I'm always satisfied with the status quo.

"I actually don't want to be famous, so I'm always satisfied with the status quo," Osaka stated during media day at the WTA 500 Washington tournament. She acknowledged that her success early in her career, winning four Grand Slam titles, significantly boosted her profile. However, she feels that in recent years, her fashion endeavors have attracted more attention than her athletic achievements.

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Although life keeps changing, I've never felt my fame was that great, and I've always done everything I did before. Now people recognize me more for fashion than just tennis, like there are more fashion lovers than fans.

Osaka, who is a mother, explained that her unique on-court outfits are a way for her to share her personal interests and step outside her comfort zone. "Ironically, the clothes I wear make me have to speak more, especially in areas I'm not good at," she admitted. As a professional athlete, she is comfortable discussing tennis, but venturing into fashion allows her to interact with new people and explore unfamiliar territories.

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Ironically, the clothes I wear make me have to speak more, especially in areas I'm not good at.

Seeking a comeback, Osaka is the third seed at the Washington tournament and has received a bye in the first round. She will await the winner of the match between Britain's Katie Boulter and American wildcard Ashlyn Krueger in the round of 16.

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As a professional player, I can sit in front of the microphone and talk endlessly about tennis, because it's a familiar circle. Now, venturing into the fashion field gives me the opportunity to interact with people I've never met before, and the like. I just want to try worlds I've never imagined before.