Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open with a fashion statement that blended tennis tradition and street‑ball swagger, deliberately echoing the style of former NBA great Allen Iverson. The two‑time champion stepped out of the tunnel at Arthur Ashe Stadium draped in a flowing white skirt and a hooded robe that was printed with newspaper clippings chronicling her own career milestones. When she peeled away the robe to reveal a sleek black outfit underneath, her hair was fashioned into tight cornrows, a direct nod to the signature look Iverson sported during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Osaka explained that the ensemble was a tribute, saying, "I really like him a lot.
Nike said basketball, so I said, 'OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.'" The homage was more than a visual gimmick; it underscored Osaka’s broader appreciation for athletes who push boundaries beyond the court. In a pre‑match media session she wore a shirt bearing Iverson’s portrait and described him as a "trailblazer" who reshaped how NBA players think about clothing and self‑expression. "He’s someone I look up to because he’s changed the conversation around fashion in sport, whether intentionally or not," Osaka added, noting that the dialogue around personal style is now an integral part of an athlete’s brand.
Iverson himself responded on Instagram with an enthusiastic comment, "Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you," confirming the mutual respect between the two stars. On the court, Osaka’s performance matched the confidence of her outfit. She battled Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in a tightly contested first‑round match, ultimately prevailing 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3).
The win propelled her into the second round of the tournament, where she will look to build on the momentum generated by both her fashion statement and her resilient play. Osaka’s victory was a reminder that she can translate the boldness of her off‑court persona into a competitive edge when it matters most. The opening day of the US Open also featured notable results from other top players. Former champion Iga Swiatek, the eighth seed from Poland, dispatched China’s Wang Xiyu in straight sets, 6‑2, 6‑3, to secure her own place in the second round.
Swiatek, who captured a title in Toronto earlier in the season and reached the semifinals in Cincinnati, expressed confidence after her 88‑minute match. "I felt good from the start, had the energy and intensity I wanted," she said, emphasizing her focus on fine‑tuning the smaller aspects of her game as she chases a seventh Grand Slam crown.
American hopeful Ben Shelton, seeded eighth, overcame a shaky start to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 1‑6, 6‑1, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑2. Shelton, aiming to become the first American man to win the US Open since 2003, has struggled in recent Grand Slams but arrived in New York with confidence after defending his Canadian Open title.
He acknowledged the difficulty of the first set, noting Griekspoor’s aggressive style, but said he found his rhythm in the second set and ultimately turned the match around. Veteran Stan Wawrinka, playing his final Grand Slam before retirement, fell to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 7‑6 (7‑4), 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑0.
The 41‑year‑old reflected on his two‑decade history at Flushing Meadows, saying, "It’s been 20 years since I first came here. The New York vibes have always inspired me, and I always tried to play my best tennis on these courts." Berrettini, a 2019 semifinalist, will face Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone in the next round after Navone produced the tournament’s biggest upset by eliminating fourth‑seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set thriller. The US Open continues to be a showcase not only of elite tennis but also of the cultural intersections that athletes bring to the sport.
Osaka’s Iverson‑inspired look illustrates how players today draw inspiration from a wide array of sources—music, fashion, basketball, and beyond—to craft a unique identity that resonates with fans worldwide. As the tournament progresses, spectators can expect more memorable moments both on the baseline and in the stands, with athletes using every platform available to express who they are beyond the scoreline. Fans can follow all the action live on Sky Sports, stream matches contract‑free via NOW, or catch highlights and exclusive videos through the Sky Sports app. The US Open runs through early September, promising weeks of high‑stakes competition, dramatic upsets, and, as Naomi Osaka has shown, unforgettable style statements that will be talked about long after the final point is played.