A Closer Look at Naomi Osaka’s Custom Nike Kits by Yoon Ahn at 2024 US Open

Nikara Johns

August 30, 2024 at 12:52 AM·3 min read

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

More from Footwear News

Naomi Osaka, Nike and designer Yoon Ahn worked together to create one-of-a-kind day and night competition kits for Osaka’s return to the US Open. The tennis star debuted the green day look playing against top-10 player Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2024 US Open. Osaka defeated Ostapenko on Tuesday in the ruffled and bow-covered outfit.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts to defeating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the first round on Day 2 of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in New York City (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images) — Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts to defeating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the first round on Day 2 of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in New York City.

Osaka’s custom designs feature one-of-one performance Nike dresses designed for the exact specifications of her game, as well as walk-on skirts and jackets with oversized bows.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan walks on court before playing against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during their Women's Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) — Naomi Osaka of Japan walks on court before playing against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024.

“The inspiration that fueled the look for me — and this might be a Japanese term — is feeling like a ‘magical girl’ on the court,” Osaka said in statement. “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.”

In addition, Ahn and Nike unveiled a new Nike Women by Yoon apparel collection inspired by court fashion. The line’s maroon, navy and white colorwaus draw on both vintage school uniforms and classic sport styles. Key iems include polo tees, a cardigan, pleated skirts and a varsity jacket. In the campaign, Ahn paired the looks with Nike classic Cortez sneakers.

nike women, yoon — The Nike Women by Yoon collection

“We live in a girl’s world, and I wanted to embody that in Naomi’s on-court look as well as the collection,” Ahn said. “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.”