Naomi Osaka Reveals ‘Kill Bill’ Inspiration Behind Wimbledon Outfit: “I Really Love Lucy Liu’s Character”

One of the most anticipated moments in the ongoing Wimbledon was Naomi Osaka‘s entrance. After wowing the tennis world with her jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open and an Eiffel Tower-inspired outfit at the French Open, Osaka, this time, channeled Lucy Liu‘s iconic character, O-Ren Ishii from Kill Bill.

Because of Wimbledon’s strict dress code, many wondered what the four-time Grand Slam champion would choose to wear. Osaka sported a custom-made white kimono, a traditional Japanese dress, all embroidered with cherry blossoms, along with an obi belt.

Yeah, it makes a difference. For me, I find fashion to be really fun. You guys all look for beautiful, and I kind of want to come out in something too. To me, my Japanese heritage means a lot. They said all white in Wimbledon, and I thought it’d be really cute to come out in a kimono. I just get inspired by a lot of different things.

Naomi Osaka told reporters after her first-round win

Osaka loves fashion and doesn’t shy away from donning bold outfits, not paying heed to the criticism she receives for the same. For her, fashion is a form of storytelling.

One of my favorite movies is Kill Bill. I really love Lucy Liu’s character, O-ren Ishii. She comes out in this really iconic white kimono. I always tell people I like to be like a video character sometimes. I don’t want to be myself when I’m playing on the court, and I tried to embody her a little.

Naomi Osaka added

In the first round, the former World No.1 defeated Elsa Jacquemot in straight sets to schedule her next match against Anastasia Gasanova. Wimbledon is the only tournament where Osaka has never reached the fourth round. She has so far made the third round here three times, including last year, losing the match to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Naomi Osaka on playing Wimbledon right after reaching the Bad Homburg Open final

Before arriving at Wimbledon, Naomi Osaka played her career’s first final on grass at the Bad Homburg Open. After losing the first set and the first game of the second set against Karolina Muchova, Osaka threw in the towel due to a right foot injury.

Honestly, it was a little concerning for me just because I couldn’t finish my final, and then I had to fly the same day, and then try to practice the next day, and then I had to play my match today. So, I was definitely really stressed out about it, but you know, thankfully we got to the other side, and I’m here now. But I guess while that was happening, I kind of remembered that I never really play like tournaments the week before a Grand Slam.

Naomi Osaka said at the press conference

Osaka could face fellow four-time Major singles champion Aryna Sabalenka if they both reach the fourth round. The Belarusian ace went past Teodora Kostovic to schedule her next match against McCartney Kessler.

Sabalenka, too, has never made the final at SW19 but is a three-time semifinalist here, also reaching the stage last year. She is chasing her fourth title of the season after her wins in Brisbane, Indian Wells, and Miami.

The Japanese ace last won a title at the 2021 Australian Open by defeating Jennifer Brady, and since then, she has played four finals, at the 2022 Miami Open, last year’s ASB Classic and the Canadian Open, and this year’s Bad Homburg Open. The last time Osaka made a deep run at a Major was in last year’s US Open, where she lost to eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals.

Also read: Joao Fonseca Opens Up on the Characteristics of Rafael Nadal that Inspired His Career