Sinner shares a key change after losing at the US Open, Osaka's outfit criticized for resembling the new White Lady Legend cosplay

On the third day of the Australian Open men's singles, two-time defending champion Sinner progressed effortlessly to the next round as his opponent Gaston retired while down 6-2, 6-1. The Italian player disclosed that after losing the US Open final last year, he and his team implemented an important modification to his serving motion.

Following the straightforward victory, Sinner spoke at the post-match press conference about the major adjustments he and his team have made to his serve since last year’s US Open.

“Serving has always been an area I need to improve, and it still is,” Sinner admitted. “It’s the only shot we can fully control ourselves, and there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”

Sinner elaborated on the specific changes: “We slightly altered the motion. Previously, my serve rhythm started off too fast; now it’s a bit slower. Earlier, I used to toss the ball a bit forward and to the right, but now I toss it more backward, directly above my head.”

For professional tennis players, changing a deeply ingrained technical move requires great courage, especially when seeking breakthroughs after achieving significant success.

“Sometimes I still make mistakes. I don’t always feel confident on this shot,” Sinner’s honesty was surprising given he is already a two-time Australian Open champion. “But at the same time, we are working hard to improve. Serving is one of the most important skills, arguably the most important. Let’s see how my serve performs this season.”

This ongoing commitment to self-improvement may well be the key to Sinner’s position at the top of the tennis world.

Regarding Sinner’s serving adjustments, tennis analysts have given positive feedback. Former ATP pro and current commentator James Blake said, “Sinner’s serve has always been a relative weakness, especially against top players. His proactive approach to change is admirable. Moving the toss closer above the head helps enhance serve stability and consistency.” Blake explained, “This will take time and extensive practice to get used to, but in the long run, it will improve his reliability on serve during crucial moments.”

The women’s singles court also offered excitement. Former champion Naomi Osaka endured a thrilling first-round match, narrowly defeating Ruddick 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Osaka won the first set, was leveled by her opponent, and then faced a tense deciding set. At 4-4, she broke serve at a critical moment to secure a hard-fought victory.

However, even more attention was drawn by Osaka’s appearance. Dressed entirely in white with a veil-like accessory, her look quickly sparked buzz on social media.

Some fans joked, “Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open look is amazing! A ‘wedding dress outfit’ plus a ‘mosquito net umbrella,’ like a ‘Japanese White Lady’ straight out of a fantasy drama. The ceremony of her entrance was on another level, turning the tennis court into a fashion runway!”

“Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open style is literally cosplay of the ‘New Japanese White Lady’! Wearing a ‘mosquito net umbrella’ on her head and a ‘wedding dress skirt,’ she slayed from the player tunnel to the court. Opponents must be wondering: is she here to play tennis or to model?” Another comment received thousands of likes.

Fashion and tennis insiders offered mixed opinions on Osaka’s “White Lady” look.

Fashion designer Anna Wintour posted on social media, “Naomi Osaka has always been bold in experimenting with different styles. This time, she combines traditional tennis attire with theatrical elements, showcasing her daring pursuit of self-expression.”

Tennis legend Navratilova expressed reservations: “In competition, clothing should primarily meet functional needs. Overly elaborate decorations might be distracting and impact performance.”

On social media, opinions on Osaka’s outfit were polarized. Supporters said, “Naomi Osaka’s Grand Slam outfits are always anticipated. She transforms the tennis court into a fashion show, injecting fresh energy into this traditional sport.” One fan agreed, “Female athletes should have the freedom to express themselves, not be limited to functional clothing. Osaka’s attempt deserves encouragement.”

Opponents argued, “The tennis court is not a fashion week runway; athletes should focus more on the competition itself. Is such extravagant decoration practical in Melbourne’s hot weather?”

The Melbourne sun continues to shine on the courts as stories of change and tradition unfold. Will Sinner successfully defend his title with his technical adjustments? Can Naomi Osaka progress further with her controversial look? The answers will be revealed in the upcoming matches.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)