Sawt Falasteen - Naomi Osaka puts a bow on US Open return

Osaka, back at Flushing Meadows after missing last year after the birth of her daughter Shai, turned heads when she took the court in a layered outfit featuring a bright green skirt with a stiff tulle petticoat and a jacket bedecked with a bright green bow.

She doffed both to reveal a tiered green tennis dress, with a white bow on the back waist, bows on both shoes complementing the effect.

"It's based on Japanese and Harajuku culture," Osaka said of the ensemble designed by Yoon Ahn with a nod to the Tokyo district famed for its street art and fashion.

She said being involved in the design of signature outfits "gives me a different strength.

"Especially the US Open outfits, I feel like they are a little bit more flamboyant. When I was putting on my outfit today, I was, like, 'Ah, I hope this isn't too much'," Osaka said.

"Because I had the tutu and then I had the bow jacket and it was green, I feel like everyone was staring at me funny.

"Then it made me feel better, another player came up to me and asked to take a picture. I hope it was a positive picture, it wasn't, like, 'Oh, my God, look at her'."

Tuesday's outfit was one of two versions. Nike unveiled a black and white version -- for the US Open night sessions -- before the tournament.

"I think for me, when I put on the outfit it's almost like a super suit, so I try to channel that," Osaka said.

M.AlAhmad--SF-PST