Osaka 'pays love and respect to Japan' in Wimbledon kimono

Because Osaka was playing on an outside court, the former world number one had to be escorted through the crowds to her match.

Unsurprisingly, many unsuspecting fans could not help but stop and take in Osaka's latest fashion statement as the 28-year-old passed them on the walkway.

"From my end, I thought that was really fun just because I didn't think anyone expected that," Osaka said.

"I try to lock in a little bit and wear my headphones. I could feel when I walked by someone, they would physically turn their whole body. I thought that was really fun.

"It was cool because I heard some people say, Wow, that's a really beautiful kimono and stuff like that. So it was nice."

Osaka said she preferred to "shake things up" when asked if she would wear the kimono before her other matches at Wimbledon, with Russian Anastasia Gasanova up next.

Osaka has re-established herself in the world's top 20 since the birth of her daughter in 2023, and reached the semi-finals at last year's US Open.

But she has never gone beyond the third round at Wimbledon - and said that wearing such outfits can bring added pressure.

"I wouldn't say it eases my nerves to wear these outfits because a little part of my mind wants to do well so I can continue wearing them," Osaka said.

"Obviously, like for the French Open, you don't want to wear a ball gown and lose in the first round. That does cross my mind a little bit."

She added: "It's something that I'm used to doing, wearing these extravagant outfits.

"I feel like everyone has their own way of showing that they're into fashion. I'm always really surprised whenever I go to the locker room, I get a lot of questions about it. It seems to be fun for everyone. You just wouldn't expect it."