Check Out Nike’s Butterfly Shoe Collection for Naomi Osaka at Australian Open 2022

One moment from last year’s Australian Open that would be remembered by fans of Naomi Osaka was when a butterfly interrupted her match-up against Ons Jabeur. Osaka made sure the butterfly flew away safely and later went on to win the match, as well as her second Australian Open crown.

Now, making a comeback after a brief hiatus last year on the WTA tour, Osaka was seen sporting a new pair of sneakers inspired by that butterfly. Nike released the collection with different colors and those won’t be available to public for purchase. During her first-round match at the ‘Happy Slam‘, Osaka’s shoes looked like an orange and black butterfly.

Naomi Osaka and her Nike sneakers at the Australian Open share a unique connection to Muhammad Ali

On Wednesday, Osaka played her second-round contest against American Madison Brengle. During the matchup, Osaka sported a similarly designed shoe but with the base being blue. Nike is planning to release this model of sneakers priced at $150 this month.

The shoes that Osaka is wearing at the Australian Open this year and the entire butterfly incident that happened last year had a strange Muhammad Ali connection. The legendary boxer was just 22 years old when he came up with the line, ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’ – the same would go on to become the most-used line to describe Ali’s in-ring spirit.

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Osaka also launched a digital Manga collection inspired by the butterfly

Coming back to Osaka, fans await the color of her sneakers she will sport during her third-round match against Amanda Anisimova on Friday. The butterfly connection in Osaka’s life is not just confined to sneakers.

Her sister, Mari Osaka, designed a fairy named Yosei as part of Osaka’s upcoming digital Manga collection. Sharing the information, Osaka took to Instagram and wrote, “My upcoming digital Manga Collection, drawn by my sister @mari.osaka , comes out January 20 on @autograph.io  This is Yōsei, the fairy. My sister calls her my guide, almost like my angel. Those were the words that came out of my mother’s mouth when the butterfly landed on me at my match in the 2021 Australian open.” 

The story of butterfly and Naomi Osaka might continue for years to come as the Japanese star looks to add a bit of luck to her ongoing Australian Open campaign as she faces tough opponents in the matches to come.

Also read: Naomi Osaka Reveals Admiration for the Impressive Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open 2022