Why Naomi Osaka’s Bedazzled Labubu Stole the Spotlight at the US Open — And What It Means for Her Game!

Ever wondered what happens when high fashion meets high stakes on the tennis court? Well, Naomi Osaka isn’t just smashing serves at this year’s US Open—she’s also shattering the mold of what athlete style looks like. Picture this: a dazzling constellation of crystals sparkling under the stadium lights, custom Nike pieces screaming boldness, and those unforgettable Labubu charms adding that quirky, blinged-out twist. It’s maximalism turned up to eleven, and honestly, it’s hard not to be utterly captivated. As someone who’s seen countless trends rise and fall in the digital arena, I gotta say—Naomi’s game isn’t the only thing scoring points here. Ready to dive into the world where performance gear meets runway flair? LEARN MORE

No one is doing on-the-court fashion like Naomi Osaka.

The Japanese tennis pro has been wowing us, not only with her game, but with her colorful, shimmery, maximalist style at this year’s US Open. And her best accessory of the week? Her rhinestone-covered Labubus.

Today, for her match against U.S. player Hailey Baptiste, Osaka wore a bright purple version of the custom orange Nike look she played in on Tuesday. It involved a stretchy tennis minidress adorned with panels of crystals along the bodice and a coquette bubble skirt. Over it, she wore a matching jacket, also sprinkled with crystals. And for footwear, she debuted a pair of artful Nike speakers in white, gray, pink, and purple, adorned with a patch that read her name in Japanese characters. (I see you, girl!)

For this fit, the four-time Grand Slam champion popped on a grape visor rather than decorate her braided ’do with sparkly rosettes like she did at her last match. But she did give a nod to the first look by walking onto the court in blue crystal-covered headphones decorated with tiny purple roses. And, of course, she brought another snazzy Labubu.

While on Tuesday Osaka attached to her tennis bag a red-and-orange bedazzled Labubu to go with her orange fit, this time she coordinated with a little monster covered in purple and blue crystals, and still carrying its same blue tennis racket to match Osaka’s.

Speaking of her blinged-out toy in a press conference after her first US Open match, Osaka revealed that she named it “Billie Jean Bling” in honor of tennis legend Billie Jean King, whom the New York City tennis center where the annual competition takes place is named after.

She also spoke of her sparkly custom kit. “It was really elaborate, because the crystals are really hard to do on a performance outfit,” Osaka said. “I just thought it would be really fun to do a New York under the lights. I’m glad that my first match was a night match, because this outfit was really fun to play. This is my night outfit, so hopefully I’ll wear my day outfit next time.”

I just hope that as Osaka keeps winning, the Labubus keep on coming.