When Naomi Osaka stepped back onto the tennis court this summer, it was more than just a return to the sport she loves; it was a statement of strength, resilience, and style. Her comeback goes beyond tennis, creating a powerful narrative that inspires the next generation to embrace their own journeys with confidence and flair.
In a season marked by Osaka’s impactful presence, Nike celebrated her return to the U.S. Open in a way only they could. Partnering with acclaimed fashion designer Yoon Ahn, Nike crafted a set of day and night competition kits that are as bold and unapologetic as Osaka herself. The vibrant green and sleek black ensembles were not just outfits but symbols of Osaka’s fearless approach to life and sport.
These custom looks highlight the meticulous care put into every detail of Osaka’s performance wear. Designed to meet the exacting demands of her game, the competition dresses were complemented by walk-on skirts and jackets adorned with oversized bows—embellishments that echo the distinctiveness that Osaka brings to the court. As Osaka describes it, “The inspiration that fueled the look for me — and this might be a Japanese term — is feeling like a ‘magical girl’ on the court. There’s a moment of transformation for me when I walk onto the court, and I have a lot of fun playing, so wanting everyone who sees the outfit to connect with that feeling is a really big motivation for me.”
But the collaboration between Osaka and Ahn doesn’t stop at the court. Unveiling alongside Osaka’s kit is the new Nike Women by Yoon apparel collection, which pushes the boundaries of sportswear design by blending performance and style in ways that only Nike can. This collection is a direct reflection of Nike’s core philosophy: listening to the voice of the athlete, understanding their needs, and advancing their dreams. By bridging the worlds of sport and fashion, Nike creates a unique platform where style and performance coexist, allowing athletes like Osaka to express themselves both on and off the court.
Yoon Ahn’s approach to the collection is as rebellious as it is refined. Drawing inspiration from vintage school uniforms and classic sportswear, Ahn infuses a sense of youthful rebellion into the designs. The collection’s color palette and unexpected cuts blur the lines between uniformity and individuality, offering pieces that can be worn as cohesive outfits or mixed and matched to express personal style. Remixed heritage details, such as chenille varsity patches and YA for Nike Court logos, add a contemporary twist to classic tennis silhouettes, giving them a fresh, modern edge.
This latest campaign builds on themes that Ahn has explored in previous Nike collaborations, particularly the 2023 Nike x Ambush football collection. Like her earlier work, this collection channels a unique take on femininity, fashion, and pop culture—filtered through the lens of a fictional teen movie. With Osaka as the campaign’s muse, the collaboration between these two leaders highlights the power of combining sport and fashion in a way that only Nike and its partners can.
“We live in a girls’ world, and I wanted to embody that in Naomi’s on-court look as well as the collection,” Ahn reflects. “For Naomi’s look, she brought forward a vision and it was my job as a designer to create something that she’ll feel confident and comfortable in when she walks onto the court, allowing her to bring 100% of herself. The collection is an extension of that idea, allowing women to bring out their character and enhance their own personal styles.”
