Fashion and Fight: Osaka Powers Into Wimbledon Fourth Round

Osaka reaches Wimbledon last 16

Osaka is through to the Wimbledon last 16 after a dominant win over Kasatkina. She could face world No.1 Sabalenka next.

Osaka's confidence 'high' after stylish win seals best Wimbledon run yet...

Naomi Osaka kept her Wimbledon statement going on Friday, blending her off-court style with growing belief on court. She brushed past unseeded Australian Daria Kasatkina 6-1, 6-3 to reach the last 16 for the first time.

Known as one of tennis’ biggest fashion icons, Osaka has turned heads all week with bold outfit choices. But the four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan is also making sure her tennis is doing the talking.

Osaka, though, said she wouldn’t mind if the focus stayed on her wardrobe.  

“I'd actually prefer to talk about my clothes,” Osaka said in her press conference.

“In some ways ‌I feel I'm a lot more equipped to talk about my clothes than to talk about my tennis. It's strange, because I've been playing tennis for 20-something years. Some days I don't feel like an expert on ‌it.

“If we were to talk about my outfit, I feel ⁠I could keep going on and on ‌and on. I find it really fun that people care and are doing deep dives into the fabric and the making-of stories. I don't mind.”

Osaka's 'Kill Bill' Kimono Returns as She Powers Into Wimbledon Last 16

After taking off another version of her “Kill Bill” kimono entrance look - this time a flower-patterned robe - the 14th seed combined power and precision to beat Kasatkina and extend her best ever run at the All England Club.

“The longer I'm in the tournament, the more stories I can tell with my outfits anyways, because I like to mix and match,” Osaka added.

“Even tennis-wise, I feel really good now. I feel pretty confident. I feel I'm playing really well. There's only so many tennis questions you can answer, you know? It's like the clothing questions are endless a little bit.”

The 28-year-old broke Russian-born Kasatkina early with a backhand winner in game two, then followed it with a deep forehand to grab a second break. She ran away with the opening set on a sunny Court One.

“I've actually never won on this court, so I'm really glad to have made a really good memory here,” Osaka said on court earlier to loud applause.

“I felt confident, and she played good as well, so I'm happy with the result today.”

Naomi Osaka is her ✨ pic.twitter.com/UTJzt8ohU1

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 29, 2026

 

Osaka Switches To Battle Mode To Seal Wimbledon Breakthrough

Osaka, who made her first tour-level grass final in Bad Homburg before retiring hurt, showed she can be a real threat in week two at Wimbledon. She dug in after letting an early lead slip in the second set and fought to earn two match points.

She closed it out emphatically to set up what should be a big last-16 clash against either world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka for a place in the quarter-finals.