Japan’s Naomi Osaka walks on the court wearing a Robert Wun designed outfit to play against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic during their women’s singles match on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 20, 2026. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
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Naomi Osaka’s first-round runway stroll into Rod Laver Arena transcended tennis and went viral. However, her match attire is far from the best kit to grace the courts at the 2026 Australian Open.
A two-time Australian Open champion, Osaka is back among the top seeds for the first time since returning from maternity leave. She’s also dazzling audiences with her walk-out outfits, complete with a white hat, fringe, a veil, and wide-legged pants.
While Osaka garnered buzz and a Vogue write-up, the frilly frock she played in, lacked the show-stopping drama of her walk-out wardrobe. Many more players carried their fashion statement into the match.
The following are the best and worst dressed in Melbourne.
Best Dressed Players In The Purple Reign
Coco Gauff: New Balance
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Coco Gauff of the United States in action against Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan during the Women’s Singles first round match of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
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The Australian Open brings out color kits to bask in the summer down other. Some brands opt for sunny yellow, beach blue or neon orange. New Balance created a range of designs in purple for its ambassadors and that color stood out.
Coco Gauff, the brand’s biggest star and the world’s highest-band female athlete, wore a lavender kit during daytime matches. The New Balance logo on her signature shoes, was also in lavender and matched her lovely tank and pleated skirt. She wielded her boldest accessory, a matching Head Boom 2026 lavender-colored racket.
Sorana Cirstea: New Balance
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 22: Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a backhand against Naomi Osaka of Japan in the Women’s Singles Second Round during day five of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Sorana Cirstea announced her retirement and said this was her final Australian Open. Her New Balance crop top and pleated skirt allowed her to go out in style. It’s a pity her Australian Open match was engulfed in controversy, because this kit leaves a lasting impression.
Jordan Thompson: New Balance
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 21: Jordan Thompson of Australia reacts in the Men’s Singles Second Round against Nuno Borges of Portugal during day four of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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New Balance didn’t forget the guys. Aussie Jordan Thompson wore a two-toned purple combo during the day. He wore a deeper purple version at night. His neon purple shoes completed, and purple socks completed the look.
Mirra Andreeva: Nike
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 21: Mirra Andreeva celebrates winning match point against Maria Sakkari of Greece during the Women’s Singles Second Round match on day four of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
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Mirra Andreeva was among the many players who wore a version of the Nike Women’s Oz Court Dri-FIT Slam Tennis Dress, which features asymmetrical color-blocking. Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka also wore the design. Andreeva’s dress, in sapphire and light thistle, is the perfect blend of sporty elegance.
Best Dressed In Australian Open Colors
Casper Ruud: Yonex
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Casper Ruud of Norway reacts in the Men’s Singles First Round match against Mattia Bellucci of Italy during day two of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)
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Blue and green have long been colors associated with the Australian Open. Casper Ruud’s blue-and-green Yonex kit captures the vibrant Aussie Open brand as he traverses the blue court. The neon green shorts complement the shirt.
Ajla Tomljanovic: Original Penguin
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia reacts in the Women’s Singles First Round against Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine during day two of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic wore a cute, bright blue outfit by Original Penguin. The sleeveless Women’s Lettuce Edge tank and Women’s Lettuce Edge Tennis Skort feature moisture-wicking and stretch. The black and white Original Penguin logo on her socks and wristbands anchor the look.
Stan Wawrinka: Yonex
Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka hits a return to France’s Arthur Gea during their men’s singles match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2026. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —
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Like Cirstea, Stan Wawrinka is playing in his last Australian Open. Wawrinka, 40, won a thrilling five-set match in the second round, in his blue-and-white kit reminiscent of clouds in the sky. The aqua-marine soles of his black Yonex shoes add punch.
Frances Tiafoe: Lululemon
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 21: Frances Tiafoe of United States celebrates a point against Francisco Comesana of Argentina during the Men’s Singles Second Round match on day four of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
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Frances Tiafoe lost his third-round match to Alex de Minaur, the top-ranked Australian player. However, fans got to see three rounds of Tiafoe’s ensemble in a color combination Lululemon calls “Spray Slam Blue Green Multi.” His KSwiss Ultrashot 4 sneakers with the purple jelly soles complete the look. Tiafoe’s outfits have been more festive since the American switched from Nike to Lululemon,
The Worst Dressed At The Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz: Nike
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 21: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates a point against Yannick Hanfmann of Germany in the Men’s Singles Second Round during day four of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 21, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Carlos Alcaraz is one of the game’s biggest and most charismatic stars. He’s the world’s highest-paid tennis player, yet Nike continues to outfit him in blasé clothing. During his day matches, Alcaraz wore an underwhelming lime-green color combo, including a striped sleeveless top. Is it the worst outfit ever? No. But it’s another missed opportunity for King Carlos.
Iga Swiatek: On
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her match against Yue Yuan of China in the first round on Day 2 of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)
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Like Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek is one of the most recognizable players in the sport. She’s won six Grand Slams. However, the On outfit she wore at the Australian Open unflattering. Yes, Swiatek is all business on the court, but there’s not need to put a barcode on her dress.
Alexei Popyrin: Psycho Bunny
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Alexei Popyrin of Australia reacts against Alexandre Muller of France during the Men’s Singles First Round match on day two of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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Psycho Bunny usually produces winning looks for Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. However, this dad’s day out kit makes Popyrin, 26, look frumpy. The geometric design has a 90s vibe but not in a good way. Popyrin deserved better.
Since Bethanie Mattek-Sands retired, few players wear anything outrageous at the Australian Open. Overall, most of the kits looked great. The best-dressed players at the Australian Open combined style and function and looked comfortable and confident in their attire.