Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round of the 2026 Australian Open with a hard-fought three-set victory over Antonia Ruzic. The former champion made a striking entrance in a jellyfish-inspired outfit before battling back from a break down in the decider. Osaka's win sets up a matchup with Sorana Cirstea.
Naomi Osaka, the No. 16 seed, arrived at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night in a glamorous outfit featuring a veil, parasol, train, and a butterfly-emblazoned fascinator. Designed in collaboration with Robert Wun and modeled after a jellyfish, the ensemble referenced the water theme prevalent at the tournament and butterflies from her 2021 Australian Open title run, when one landed on her during a match against Ons Jabeur. The four-time Grand Slam champion described the planning as months in the making, noting logistical challenges like fitting the umbrella through the tunnel. "This is definitely months [of] planning," she said. "The scariest thing for me was I didn't know if the umbrella could fit in the tunnel."
On court, Osaka faced a stern test from Croatia's Antonia Ruzic, who was making her Australian Open debut on her 23rd birthday and competing in just her second Grand Slam main draw. Fresh off a semifinal run in Hobart that lifted her to a career-high No. 65 ranking, Ruzic pushed Osaka to the limit in a 2-hour, 22-minute match, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Osaka started strongly, dropping just three points in the first three games, but Ruzic settled in, matching her baseline power with impressive forehand winners down the line. The Croat extended rallies effectively, winning 45 of 85 points lasting five shots or more, compared to Osaka's 40. In the third set, Ruzic broke for a 4-3 lead after Osaka's backhand went wide, but Osaka responded by breaking back and firing four unreturned serves, including two aces, to reach match point. She converted on a backhand winner after Ruzic's forehand faltered with three unforced errors.
"I thought my level was pretty good," Osaka said post-match. "I tried to change it up a little. I know she had a really good backhand. I tried to hit more to her forehand." Osaka, who enjoys fashion as part of her preparation, added that it brings joy to the process. She will next face Sorana Cirstea, who defeated Eva Lys in three sets.
