At this year's Roland Garros, some of the tournament's most memorable moments happened before players even stepped onto the court.
What was once a simple walk from the locker room has evolved into a showcase for fashion, personality and creativity, with leading stars embracing the opportunity to make a statement before the first ball is struck.
Few players captured attention quite like Naomi Osaka.
The four-time Grand Slam champion turned her tournament entrances into a series of fashion highlights, combining performance wear with couture-inspired designs. Working with Swiss designer Kevin Germanier and Nike, Osaka unveiled several layered looks created from upcycled materials, blending sustainability with Parisian high fashion.
Source: spiegel
Among the standout pieces were a black beaded jacket, a flowing skirt and a detachable white train, all worn over her match outfits. Osaka described the collection as a tribute to both Parisian couture and sustainable design. The Japanese star's walk-on looks quickly became some of the most talked-about visuals of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic also made headlines with a custom jacket designed by Lacoste creative director Pelagia Kolotouros.
Created to celebrate his 22nd Roland Garros appearance, the jacket featured colours and textures inspired by the tournament's famous clay courts. A large wolf graphic on the back reflected the Serbian's long-standing connection to the animal, which he has often described as his spirit symbol. The unique design added another chapter to Djokovic's growing collection of custom-made Lacoste pieces.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka brought a different type of flair to Paris. Alongside her striking Nike outfit, she accessorised with jewellery featuring diamonds and garnets, helping her stand out both on and off the court.
Other players also embraced the fashion spotlight. Coco Gauff debuted new New Balance outfits featuring mesh overlays and coordinated accessories, while Jannik Sinner opted for an all-blue look paired with his signature Gucci and Head collaboration bag. Mirra Andreeva, Sorana Cirstea, Matteo Berrettini and Andrey Rublev were among the players who also drew attention with their carefully curated tournament wardrobes.
The growing emphasis on player entrances reflects a broader shift in tennis, where fashion is increasingly becoming part of the sport's identity. With television cameras following players from the moment they emerge onto court, the walk-on has evolved into a stage of its own.
At Roland Garros, Osaka and Djokovic may have produced some of the most memorable outfits, but the wider trend was clear. In modern tennis, first impressions are no longer made with a forehand or serve. They begin the moment a player steps into the spotlight.
