Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open with her trademark flair, deliberately echoing the style of former NBA great Allen Iverson. The two‑time champion stepped out of the tunnel at Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing a flowing white skirt over a hooded robe that was printed with newspaper clippings about her recent achievements.
When she shed the robe to reveal a sleek black ensemble underneath, she had her hair fashioned into cornrows – a signature look that Iverson popularised during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Osaka explained that the look was a direct tribute: "I really like him a lot. Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’" The visual statement was more than a fashion experiment; it was a statement of confidence that carried through to her performance on court.
Osaka faced Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova in the first round, a match that proved to be a tight contest. After trading breaks, Osaka clinched the victory with two tiebreak sets, winning 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3).
The win propelled her into the second round and reinforced the narrative that her off‑court creativity can translate into on‑court success. Beyond the match, Osaka’s media day further highlighted her admiration for Iverson. She appeared in a shirt bearing his portrait and described him as a "trailblazer" who reshaped the way NBA players think about clothing and self‑expression.
"He’s done a lot in fashion, whether on purpose or not, and he’s shifted the way players dress," Osaka said. She added that the broader conversation about athletes using style to convey personality resonates with her own approach to tennis attire. Although Osaka and Iverson have never spoken directly, the former basketball star responded to her homage on Instagram, posting, "Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you." The exchange underscored the cross‑sport admiration that exists between two global icons.
While Osaka captured headlines, other notable players also kicked off their campaigns. Poland’s eighth‑seed Iga Swiatek breezed past China’s Wang Xiyu with a 6‑2, 6‑3 win, marking a solid start after a recent title in Toronto and a deep run to the Cincinnati semi‑finals. Swiatek reflected on her performance, saying, "I felt pretty good from the beginning, had the energy and intensity. I want to keep it that way.
Wang was playing deep with a lot of topspin, so I needed the strength." She noted that the US Open is a swing she has historically found challenging, but recent improvements have given her confidence as she eyes a seventh Grand Slam crown. American hopeful Ben Shelton also made news, rallying from a 1‑6 first set loss to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 6‑1, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑2.
Shelton, who hopes to become the first American man to lift the trophy since 2003, has struggled in the season’s earlier majors but arrived in New York buoyed by a successful title defense at the Canadian Open. He admitted nerves at the start of his match, but found his rhythm in the second set, praising Griekspoor’s aggressive style: "He’s a good player, doesn’t give you a lot of rhythm, and I found things really difficult for the first set tonight." Veteran Stan Wawrinka, playing his final Grand Slam before retirement, was defeated by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in straight sets, 7‑6 (7‑4), 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑0. The 41‑year‑old reflected on two decades of New York memories, saying, "It’s been 20 years since the first time I came here. It was amazing for me to feel the New York vibes throughout the years.
I found the way to play my best tennis here." Berrettini, a 2019 semi‑finalist, will meet Argentine youngster Mariano Navone in the next round after Navone shocked fourth‑seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set upset. The US Open continues to deliver drama both on and off the court, with players using fashion as an extension of their personalities and rivalries intensifying with each round.
Osaka’s Iverson‑inspired look not only paid respect to a basketball legend but also reinforced her reputation as a cultural influencer who blends sport, style, and self‑expression. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more memorable moments, whether through stunning upsets, personal tributes, or the evolving narratives of seasoned champions and rising stars alike.