Naomi Osaka's Fashion Is it a Love Match Meant for Tennis?

Naomi Osaka, four time Grand Slam Champion in tennis, won her first round match last night at the US Open. She eked out a narrow victory in tie-breakers for both sets (7-6, 7-6). Nevertheless, her grand entrance through the halls onto the court was anything but meek. Head bowed, Osaka walked out under a hooded top with a billowing cascade of white tulle. The look resembled an eerie ensemble befitting an oppressed character from "The Handmaid's Tale." Osaka's court couture was assembled by her favored stylist, Law Roach. Roach is an American fashion stylist/TV personality.  Other celebrity clients of his include Zendaya and Ariana Grande. Yet, the question remains - are tennis tournaments the proper platform for athletes to command like models on fashion runways. I say, yes! Bring it on! This is not the first (nor will it be the last) time Osaka brings a show stopping style to her tennis matches.  Earlier this year Osaka was adorned in a "jelly-fish inspired" outfit at the Australian. At the French Open Osaka dazzled in a black pleated corset and full-length skirt over a glittery gold tennis dress for playing in. There is a showmanship to her stepping out of an outer fashion shroud to her slimmed down playing outfit. I'll reiterate my position, I endorse Osaka's whimsical wardrobe. Why not bring your fashion game along. We see how fashion has become front and center at televised drafts for both men and winner into the pro-leagues. Watching pro-basketball and pro-football players promenade into locker rooms prior to playoffs  has morphed into men's catwalks. Red carpet events have gained popularity more for showing off of fashion than for bestowing awards. Being named best dressed at awards show has become as coveted as receiving a golden statue. Of course, there are those who say tennis tournaments are not meant to be fashion shows. To those I say - so what? And, why not. There remain plenty of critics claiming "Osaka's outfits are obnoxious," "she looks dumb," or "ugly and disrespectful." Opinions are of course just that as is mine. Here's one fan's comment that has some merit. "Oh no. Here we go again. Luckily she will of course be out by the semi-finals." Making it to the semi-finals and finals is the ultimate goal of being there, not to be debonaire.  My final words of wisdom not meant as criticism for Osaka:  "Hey girl, focus more on how to score in your game. Fashion, fame and tennis do make for an enticing love match.  Perhaps, if you were to add to your 4 Grand Slam Titles you'll be entitled to endorse more designers on and off the courts.