Boris Becker takes swipe after bold Naomi Osaka statement at Australian Open | Tennis | Sport

Osaka’s outfit went viral before she had even finished the match, quickly making its way onto Vogue’s website and socials. But not everyone was a fan, and retired star Boris Becker has taken aim at the Japanese star’s attention-grabbing looks.

“These are, of course, images for the media. The way she entered the court is already iconic. No other player has dared to wear such an outfit, but she did,” the six-time Major winner told TNT Sports.

“But there is also a contradiction, on the one hand, she doesn’t want to be under so much pressure, she doesn’t want to be in the public eye and in the media so much, and then she comes onto centre court in an outfit like that.

“Of course, that puts her back in the public spotlight. I would point out that she also needed a mental break a few years ago. For me, it’s generally important that the focus here is on the sport.”

Osaka has been open about her struggles throughout her career. In 2021, she famously withdrew from the French Open and skipped Wimbledon, citing her mental health. But the current world No. 17 has been in a much better place since taking a break from tennis to welcome her first child in 2023.

The four-time Grand Slam champion has also explained that she doesn’t put more pressure on herself despite taking to the court in some lavish outfits at the Grand Slam tournaments. Osaka was gutted to lose in the second round of the 2024 US Open when she wore a bow-adorned kit, but she no longer fears an early exit.

After reaching the second round in Melbourne, she said: “You have like hopes and dreams, but also there’s some things that are out of my control. I almost feel like I’ve learned that if I have that fear, it comes true more.

“When I was playing today, I just told myself, like, Keep your head on the path. If she beats you, then that’s unfortunate. But hey, at least you’re trending on Twitter.”

The No. 16 seed’s opening match wasn’t as pristine as her outfit, however, and the two-time former champion survived a scare to beat tournament debutant Antonia Ruzic 6-3 3-6 6-4. Osaka now faces Sorana Cirstea and will no doubt turn heads again when she takes to the court for that match.