Gauff hopes to copy 'insane' Osaka fashion statement, but not yet
Japan's four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka made global front and backpage headlines after emerging for her first match in Melbourne this week holding a white parasol complete with matching wide-brimmed hat and gauzy veil.
She took those off for the match itself but her turquoise and green tennis kit carried on the theme with tendrils hanging from the sleeves.
"That was really cool," the 21-year-old American Gauff said after reaching the last 16.
Gauff has won the US Open and French Open, but she has never triumphed at the Australian major.
Osaka is a two-time former champion in Melbourne, and for that reason, can pull off such an eye-catching fashion move, said Gauff.
"We have had ideas in the past, but I feel like I have always wanted to do it if I won the tournament before," said Gauff, the third seed.
"That was an insane arrival, and I thought it was really cool," she added of Osaka's grand entry.
"I think what she's doing for the sport and the fashion I think is cool and bringing new eyes to the sport."