Aryna Sabalenka Lauds Naomi Osaka’s Kill Bill-Inspired Kimono Outfit Ahead of Wimbledon Clash: “I Really Love Her Dress”

Before this season, Aryna Sabalenka had met fellow four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka just once. Back in 2018, Osaka faced the World No. 1 in the fourth round of the US Open and won in three sets before reaching the final and lifting her first Major title.

They did not face each other again until this year’s Indian Wells Open fourth round. Sabalenka won it and also ended their Madrid Open fourth-round clash in her favor.

After winning their last 16 match at the French Open, Sabalenka will now be hoping to improve her head-to-head record over the former World No.1 to 4-1 by defeating her in the Wimbledon fourth round. In the third round, the Belarusian ace ousted 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, and later at the press conference, she was asked about her next opponent’s outfit.

Of course. That’s amazing. Every time, she’s willing to bring something new and different. It’s cool to see. I actually really love her on-court dress. I’d say, in my personal opinion, it’s one of her best outfits in the last couple of Grand Slams. I love it. It’s cool.

Osaka loves blending fashion with sports because fashion is a form of expression for her. After turning heads with her jellyfish-inspired outfit at this year’s Australian Open, Osaka wore a golden dress that sparkled like the “Eiffel Tower at night“.

And for Wimbledon, which is famous for its traditions, Osaka chose a Japanese traditional dress, donning a white kimono inspired by Lucy Liu‘s character in Kill Bill.

We have played several times this year. It’s always been a battle, always a tough match. She is a very aggressive player, serves very well. I have watched a couple of her matches. She is in good form. But I am ready to go out there, fight, and do whatever it takes to overcome this tough match.

Aryna Sabalenka added

Osaka will be playing in the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time. She defeated Daria Kasatkina in the previous round.

Aryna Sabalenka on the impact of Rafael Nadal’s documentary on her

Aryna Sabalenka learned one phrase after watching Rafael Nadal‘s Netflix documentary, Rafa: “The only thing you can control is your focus and motivation.” This quote struck a chord with the WTA ace, who got goosebumps while watching the documentary.

I watched, and I had goosebumps throughout the whole series. There’s so many things you can take away from Nadal. One of the best lines he said was ‘the only thing you can control is your focus and motivation.’ It’s been in my head ever since. It really helped me when things are not going well to stay focused and motivated. I don’t know if he’s watching- probably not. But thanks.

Aryna Sabalenka said during her on-court interview

At Wimbledon, Sabalenka is chasing her career’s first grass-court title. She is a three-time semifinalist in the tournament, also reaching the stage last year (her run was ended by eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova).

On grass, she has played two finals. She lost the 2018 Eastbourne International to Caroline Wozniacki and the 2022 Rosmalen Grass Court Championships to Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Before arriving in London, Sabalenka played the Berlin Open and reached the semifinals, losing to eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka last won a title at the Miami Open, and since then, she has not yet played a final.

This season, she has so far made four finals, lifting three trophies in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami by defeating Marta Kostyuk, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff, respectively. She lost the Australian Open final to the Kazakh ace.

Also read: Matteo Berrettini Confesses Wimbledon’s Objection Against Custom HUGO BOSS Look Amid Dress Code Policy