Carlos Alcaraz Hints at Bringing ‘Something Different’ to Grand Slams After Naomi Osaka’s Viral Entrance at the Australian Open
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka donned a jellyfish inspired look during her walk-on to her opening round match at the Australian Open.
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Naomi Osaka, Carlos Alcaraz (images via Australian Open)
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Naomi Osaka surprised fans with her unique outfit as she walked to Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday for her opening round match against Antonia Ruzic. Her look, which consisted of a turquoise-and-white dress, a white hat, a veil, and an umbrella, was inspired by jellyfish. The hat and umbrella also featured a butterfly, a reference to Osaka’s iconic butterfly moment during her 2021 Australian Open title run.
ATP World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was recently asked about Osaka’s new look at the Australian Open press conference, to which the Spaniard gave a very diplomatic answer. Although he claimed that he is not someone who would carry an umbrella during his walk, he respects Osaka’s manner of self-expression. Osaka has often been the subject of much criticism for her on-court wardrobe choices.
I’m not one to go out with an umbrella, but for me, it’s a good way to express what you feel. In the end, it’s good not to worry about what others think, what their opinions are, or what they say. And if you feel something or want to express what you like, go for it. I think we’ve already seen Naomi Osaka do that walk-on a few times, do it a certain way. And if she feels that way, for me, it’s great.
Osaka will face Sorana Cirstea in the second round of the tournament on Thursday. This will mark the second meeting between Osaka and Cirstea. The pair last met in the qualifying round of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships, where Cirstea defeated Osaka in straight sets.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, after straight-set victories over Adam Walton and Yannick Hanfmann in his first two rounds, will face Corentin Moutet in the third round of the tournament on Friday.
Carlos Alcaraz’s love for sneakers
During the press conference, Carlos Alcaraz further spoke about his love for sneakers and the importance of bringing something different to the court. The six-time Grand Slam champion is also dressed in an eye-catching neon green, black, and white outfit by Nike for the tournament.
One of the things we’re trying to do is bring something different to the tournaments. Something different in our day-to-day life. I’m a huge sneaker fan, so I come every day with a different pair, with a different vibe. That’s what I like. I’m trying to put aside what others think or say and show what I feel.
The Spaniard is known for his strong sense of style and self-expression. Alcaraz has tattoos etched on his body to commemorate his different Grand Slam wins, and hopes to get a kangaroo tattoo if he wins the Australian Open. After winning the US Open last year, Alcaraz stunned everyone by dyeing his hair platinum blonde.
Carlos Alcaraz aims to accomplish the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open
At the age of 22, Carlos Alcaraz is on the quest to become the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam in the Open Era. This distinction currently belongs to his compatriot Rafael Nadal, who is the youngest man to achieve not only the Career Grand Slam but also the Career Golden Slam, after his 2010 US Open triumph at 24.
Alcaraz has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and his biggest rival to the title is two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner.
The Italian will also be looking to make history by becoming only the second man in the Open Era to clinch three consecutive Australian Open titles, with Novak Djokovic being the first. Sinner can also complete the Career Grand Slam this year if he wins the Roland Garros.
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