FASHION MOMENT

Naomi Osaka’s crystal-covered Labubu steals the spotlight at the US Open

“She’s named Billie Jean Bling," the athlete told reporters when asked about her Labubu.

AUGUST 27, 2025 12:51 PM EDTAUG 27, 2025, 12:51 PM EDT

Naomi Osaka didn’t just win her first-round match at the 2025 US Open, she owned the court with a dazzling display of custom fashion, head-to-toe crystals, and a one-of-a-kind mascot that’s already gone viral.

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Stepping onto Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York City, Osaka debuted a bold, rose-themed Nike look and revealed a rhinestone-covered Labubu charm named Billie Jean Bling.

Naomi Osaka poses for a photo with her Labubu after defeating Greet Minnen of Belgium in the first round on Day 3 of the US Open

“She’s named Billie Jean Bling. Not Billie Jean King. Billie Jean Bling,” Osaka clarified to reporters post-match, holding up the sparkling creature to the cameras with a grin.

The 27-year-old tennis icon strutted onto the court wearing a fiery red ensemble she helped design herself, which consisted of a cropped, crystal-studded windbreaker, a bubble-hem mini skirt, Swarovski-adorned hair roses, and matching red Beats headphones.

Naomi Osaka’s on-court fashion is not just about style but also about strategy.

The look was fully monochrome and fully “extra,” just as she had teased earlier this summer after Wimbledon. “I just thought it would be really fun to do in New York under the lights,” Osaka told reporters. “I’m glad that my first match was a night match, because this outfit was really fun to play in. This is my night outfit, so hopefully, I’ll wear my day outfit next time.”

Naomi Osaka enters this US Open campaign with a new coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski

The sparkling red jacket and the majority of the rose hair accessories came off before play began, but the glamour remained. Her dress sparkled under the lights, matching her sharp and composed tennis as she cruised past Belgium’s Greet Minnen in straight sets, 6–3, 6–4.

Meet Billie Jean Bling, her unique Labubu:

Dangling from her racquet bag was the now-famous Labubu figurine, Osaka’s own custom companion. Covered in red and gold crystals and gripping a glittery blue tennis racket, Billie Jean Bling added an edge to her look.

Naomi Osaka of Japan holds up her Labubu while talking to the media after defeating Greet Minnen of Belgium in the first round on Day 3 of the US Open — Naomi Osaka holds up her Labubu while talking to the media after defeating Greet Minnen of Belgium in the first round on Day 3 of the US Open

“I’m glad she made people laugh today,” Osaka said when asked about fan reactions. Labubus, fluffy, sharp-toothed figures that have developed cult popularity, have rarely looked so glam. For the athlete, her crystal-coated Labubu isn’t just a good luck charm, but also a fashion statement.

Her stylish sneakers:

Her entire look extended beyond just apparel. The all-red Nike GP Challenge 1 sneakers she wore for the match were a custom “Naomi Osaka” edition in Picante Red/Bright Crimson, specially released for the tournament.

This marks the fourth colorway in her sneaker line since 2024, following earlier drops in black, sunflower yellow, and pink foam. Staying true to her 2025 style theme, floral inspiration was front and center again.

The red look, including crystal-detailed roses in her hair and sneakers, continues Osaka’s “flower story,” which has bloomed across tournaments this year, including sunflower motifs at the Australian Open, cherry blossoms at the French Open, and now, rich red roses for New York.

Naomi Osaka during the Women's Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2025 French Open

“The shoes are Sakura-themed, which is just in time for spring, which is Sakura season,” she said earlier this year at Roland-Garros. “It follows the flower story that we have throughout the year.”

“I don’t know if you can see from all the way over here, but I did my nails. They’re Sakura-themed too,” she added with a laugh. “I’m really sticking to the flower story.”

Naomi's passion for fashion:

Osaka’s on-court fashion is not just about style but also about strategy. The process of designing these outfits, she explained, often begins months in advance.

“(The process is) not hard, but it always makes me excited for what’s coming up that people don’t know about,” she said. “We always have fittings months and months in advance, and I know what next year is going to look like. That just kind of makes me excited to obviously do well so I can have a good court to wear these outfits on.”

"We always have fittings months and months in advance, and I know what next year is going to look like," Naomi Osaka said of her outfits.

Her victory against Minnen follows a finals appearance at the Canadian Open earlier this month, her best result since returning from maternity leave, and sets her up for a second-round clash against American Hailey Baptiste.

She also enters this US Open campaign with a new coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, best known for his work with six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Świątek.