French Open becomes a battleground for fashion and political defiance
The French Open has once again become a stage for bold fashion and political statements. Players like Naomi Osaka and Oleksandra Oliynykova used their appearances to draw attention—one through style, the other through activism. With millions watching, the tournament’s early rounds highlighted how athletes are reshaping their image beyond the game. Naomi Osaka made headlines with a dramatic fashion show entrance before her first-round match. Her opponent, Laura Siegemund, later criticised the spectacle, calling it unnecessary. The event took place on the Suzanne Lenglen court, a fitting location given Lenglen’s own history of breaking fashion norms in the 1920s with sleeveless tops and shorter hemlines.
Oleksandra Oliynykova also drew focus, but for a different reason. After her match, she used the press conference to address the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Her temporary face and arm tattoos added to the discussion, especially as she had previously spoken out against Russian players competing in tournaments.
Experts see these moments as part of a broader shift. Sunita Kumar Nair, author of ACE: The Times & Style of Tennis, predicts more players will follow Osaka’s lead in blending sport with fashion. Aryna Sabalenka’s recent Vogue cover and diamond-studded necklaces further signal this trend. Meanwhile, Gina Antoniello, chair of NYU’s Women’s Sports Collective, argues that athlete fashion challenges traditional control over their public image.
Nike, which sponsors both Osaka and Oliynykova, has not responded to media requests for comment. The French Open continues to serve as a platform where fashion and politics intersect. Osaka’s entrance and Oliynykova’s statements show how athletes are using visibility to make personal and political marks. As the tournament progresses, more players may follow this approach, keeping the conversation alive on and off the court.
