Naomi Osaka’s Newfound Success on Grass Courts

London, The All England Club – Naomi Osaka, known for her trailblazing style both on and off the tennis court, is proving to be an exceptional player on surfaces she once struggled with. The four-time Grand Slam champion has reached the second week of Wimbledon for the first time after overcoming her initial challenges with the grass swing.

Osaka’s journey through the tournament has been impressive. She breezed through the first three rounds without dropping a set, losing more than three games in a set just once. Her recent victory against Daria Kasatkina, which ended 6-1, 6-3 in only 65 minutes, showcased her newfound prowess on grass.

“I was maybe not expecting what she produced today,” said Kasatkina. “Grass must suit her well.”

Osaka’s Style Off-Court

Osaka has elevated the walk-on at this year’s majors as a platform for self-expression, complementing her tennis achievements with striking fashion statements. Her Wimbledon attire mirrors traditional Japanese ceremonial dress with a kimono-style design, adorned with cherry blossoms and cranes. Collaborating with designer Hana Yagi, she offers a unique blend of fashion and sport.

Her Australian Open ensemble took inspiration from jellyfish, crafted by Robert Wun, while her French Open outfits featured cascading skirts and a golden sparkling dress inspired by the Eiffel Tower. With designer Nike, Osaka’s outfits are conversation starters in tennis circles.

Despite her tennis dedication, Osaka expressed a greater comfort in discussing fashion over sports.

“I feel like I’m a lot more equipped to talk about my clothes than to talk about my tennis,” Osaka shared.

Growth Through Self-Expression

Osaka views tennis as a tool for self-expression, a medium through which she communicates her style as well as athletic prowess. Rather than focusing solely on tennis, she intertwines her match wins with an opportunity to showcase her evolving fashion sense.

Her earlier career struggles, including discomfort with coaches and court anxiety, are now alleviated through expressing her authentic self on the court.

“Being able to communicate my style, being able to communicate my brand of tennis as well, because I feel like for me, my tennis is a little bit louder than I am also.”

A New Perspective on Grass

Initially wary of grass courts, Osaka seldom played on grass during her formative years. Her strength lay in powerful baseline hits that suit hard courts. The transition required a shift in strategy, which her coach implemented ahead of the grass season.

Tomasz Wiktorowski advised focusing on ball bounce and proactively advancing on grass courts. Ensuring flexibility in her play style allowed Osaka to embrace the unique dynamics of grass tennis.

With Simone Elliott joining her team last December, Osaka enhanced her movement skills. Elliott, formerly a ballerina, specializes in teaching athletes how to maintain balance at high speeds. This collaboration improved Osaka’s stance and enabled her to adapt to contemporary tennis standards.

Following a return from maternity leave in January 2024, Osaka observed new competitive dynamics amongst leading players. The need for agility and defense were crucial skills for her comeback, evidenced by reaching significant tournament rounds.

Her recent competitors, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, exemplify the evolving sport. Their success has challenged Osaka, highlighting her resilience in adapting to new styles of play.

Facing Aryna Sabalenka again, Osaka approaches her next Wimbledon match with renewed confidence inspired by strategic training and attitudinal shifts.

“It’s more free-flowing,” Osaka reflected on her approach to grass courts.