Cover Naomi Osaka, the first Japanese tennis player to win a Grand Slam, drew attention with a striking Labubu collection
Naomi Osaka, the first Japanese tennis player to win a Grand Slam, drew attention with a striking Labubu collection
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Naomi Osaka, the first Japanese tennis player to win a Grand Slam, drew attention with a striking Labubu collection.
When Osaka first stepped onto Louis Armstrong Stadium for her opening match, she quickly became the centre of attention, dressed in a vivid red-orange outfit and carrying Labubu on her racket bag. The tennis star reportedly named this Labubu “Billie Jean Bling,” in tribute to Billie Jean King, the legendary player who retired in 1983 after an illustrious career.
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Since her debut, Osaka has showcased her Labubu collection, including LeBillieBu (also named for Billie Jean King), Althea Glitterson (honouring black tennis pioneer Althea Gibson), and Arthur Flashe (a tribute to Arthur Ashe). Each piece was designed by Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir, who also contributed to Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour.
Osaka’s display of Labubu not only confirms the irresistible allure of these whimsical creatures but also delights her fans, who are thrilled to see her return with confidence.
Impressive comeback after the biggest shock of her career
At the 2025 US Open, Osaka unveiled her unique Labubu collection after each match, sharing her excitement and styling tips on social media.
For long-time followers, this tournament marked her first quarterfinal appearance at a major since the 2021 Australian Open. That year had been particularly challenging, as she withdrew from the French Open citing mental health concerns. At a press conference, she struggled to hold back tears while facing scrutiny from the media, which exacerbated her difficulties.
Now, following a remarkable run at the 2025 US Open and her exuberant presentation of the Labubu collection, Osaka’s supporters feel reassured and eager to see her maintain this form and continue achieving on the court.
When Labubu was a symbol of true emotional expression in sports
The Labubu watches that Osaka carries signal her readiness to embrace tennis once more. They also serve as a reminder that simple joys can provide comfort during tough times, showing that happiness need not always be serious to be meaningful.
Osaka no longer shies away from showing her emotions, whether it is the thrill of victory, the frustration of setbacks, or the joy of introducing Labubu. When appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2022, she admitted feeling ashamed for pausing her career due to mental health struggles, despite experiencing anxiety and depression since 2018. Today, she balances the joy of playing on the court with the pleasure of collecting off it.
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Osaka is not the only tennis star drawn to Labubu. Carlos Alcaraz appeared with a Labubu at the All England Club, while other professional athletes, including Dillon Brooks, Tom Brady, David Beckham, and Simone Biles, have also embraced the collection.
A Pop Mart spokesperson commented that Osaka’s Labubu collection represents a form of personal expression and marks a milestone for the positive energy that Labubu brings to a prestigious sporting event.
The presence of Labubu alongside elite athletes elevates it beyond a high-end accessory. It reminds the public not to place excessive expectations on their favourite players. Through these playful collectibles, fans gain a glimpse of a different side of their idols, beyond the intensity of competition.
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