PARIS (AP) 鈥� was in the spotlight again on Tuesday at the .
The tennis star walked onto Court Suzanne-Lenglen in a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice, which she removed to reveal a sequined gold playing dress for her opening match in Paris.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very couture,鈥� Osaka said of her dress after the match. 鈥淵ou know the Eiffel Tower at night when it鈥檚 sparkly. I kind of think I look like that a little bit.鈥�
Osaka entered wearing the embellished bodice structured to recall armor, and a long pleated skirt over her playing attire. She then removed the over-garments and went on to beat German opponent Laura Siegemund 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Osaka said the playing dress was designed by Nike while the outer pieces were from Swiss designer Kevin Germanier.
Earlier this year at the Australian Open, Osaka walked on wearing And at last year’s U.S. Open, she had above her red outfit and even a matching Labubu that she named Billie Jean Bling.
The four-time Grand Slam champion also recently wore a show-stopping outfit at the in New York.
So how does Osaka switch her focus from her grand entrances to playing a tennis match minutes later?
鈥淚鈥檓 a little used to it now,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he U.S. Open, the roses in my hair, that鈥檚 when I started to really get into it a lot more. Obviously with Australia, that was a real conversation starter. So I don鈥檛 really feel like it鈥檚 too much of a big deal to do that and then play after.
鈥淎thletes are in show business,鈥� Osaka added. 鈥淕rand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I鈥檓 an entertainer.鈥�
Osaka had other concerns, though.
鈥淚 actually got a little worried, because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot. So I was a little scared that the umpire was going to kick me off the court,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o I (had) two back-up normal Nike dresses.鈥�
Earlier Tuesday on Court Philippe-Chatrier, top-ranked wore two necklaces featuring diamonds during her opening win.
Osaka said on Saturday that she enjoys fashion since 鈥淚 don鈥檛 talk a lot, so that way I can talk through my clothes.鈥�
She added, 鈥淚 am a little dramatic when it comes to my fashion sense.鈥�
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AP Fashion Writer Colleen Barry in Milan contributed to this report.
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