Tennis star Naomi Osaka took to social media to fire back at people who complained about her on-court outfits at the 2026 US Open.
Osaka, 28, turned heads at the tournament with her eye-catching outfits. Though some fans praised her on-court fashion choices, critics reportedly claimed that she wasn’t focusing on playing tennis.
But Osaka, in Tuesday post on Instagram Threads, made it known that she did not care about the backlash.
“You know… idgaf if you don’t like me. I don’t mind being the first to do something and getting trashed for it,” the two-time US Open champion wrote.
Osaka also stated that the same thing “happened when I talked about mental health and for some reason it’s happening with my clothes lol.”
Osaka explained how her actions are influenced by the values of her Haitian heritage. The 28-year-old was born in Japan to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother.
“I’m literally Haitian it’s in my blood to be this way, as long as the people after me have an easier path it’s worth it,” she stated.
READ ALSO: Naomi Osaka explains why she’s not sad about her US Open exit
Osaka’s on-court looks at the 2026 US Open were conspicuous, and she particularly received praise for her first outfit, as she paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson. Osaka wore cornrows with a black headband that she matched with red and black arm sleeves. She also wore a short-sleeved silver hoodie and a long white skirt.
Iverson, 51, even took to Instagram to praise Osaka for mimicking his signature look.
“Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you. @naomiosaka,” the NBA Hall of Famer captioned alongside a photo of Osaka wearing a T-shirt with his image.
Following her round of 16 defeat to Elena Rybakina at the 2026 US Open, Osaka was asked if there were “more surprises” and “looks” she intended to display if she were still in the tournament.
“I think there’s always something. That’s a way that I can have fun and sort of just excite myself also. But I’m honestly not disappointed now,” she explained.
READ ALSO: Naomi Osaka credits her Wimbledon victory against Aryna Sabalenka to her mom’s cooking
AloJapan.com