Naomi Osaka stepped onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium stage at the US Open with a fashion statement that echoed the iconic style of former NBA great Allen Iverson. The two‑time champion emerged from the tunnel draped in a flowing white skirt and a hooded robe printed with newspaper clippings about her own career, a nod to the media frenzy that often surrounds her. When she peeled away the robe to reveal a sleek black ensemble underneath, Osaka’s hair was fashioned into cornrows, directly mirroring the signature look Iverson sported during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The visual tribute was more than a costume change; it was a deliberate salute to a basketball legend whose influence reaches far beyond the hardwood. "It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot," Osaka explained after her first‑round victory.
"Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’" Her words underscored a partnership with the sportswear giant that often blends tennis and basketball aesthetics, and Osaka was eager to honor the crossover. Osaka’s match against Anastasia Zakharova proved to be a tight affair, with both sets decided by tiebreaks. She ultimately prevailed 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3), securing her place in the second round of the tournament. Throughout the contest, Osaka’s composure and aggressive baseline play reflected the confidence she felt from channeling Iverson’s fearless attitude.
Beyond the court, Osaka continued the homage during her press conference on the eve of the tournament. She wore a shirt emblazoned with Iverson’s portrait and described him as a "trailblazer" who reshaped how athletes approach fashion.
"I think he’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s kind of done a lot in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not, but he’s shifted the way that NBA players dress," Osaka said. She added that Iverson’s impact extends to the broader conversation about self‑expression through clothing in sports. "I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like he’s someone that I look up to in that regard," she noted.
The tribute resonated on social media. Although Osaka and Iverson have never spoken directly, the basketball star posted a supportive message on Instagram, writing, "Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you." The exchange highlighted the mutual respect between two athletes who have each used their platforms to influence fashion and culture.
While Osaka was making headlines, other notable performances unfolded across the hard courts. Former champion Iga Swiatek, the Polish eighth seed, opened her campaign with a solid 6‑2, 6‑3 win over China's Wang Xiyu, advancing to the second round. Swiatek, who captured her first title of a turbulent season in Toronto and reached the Cincinnati semi‑finals, expressed confidence heading into New York. "For sure it was a good day in the office," she said after the 88‑minute match.
"I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity. I want to keep it that way. Wang was playing deep with a lot of topspin so I needed the strength." Swiatek also reflected on the challenges of playing the US Open swing, a surface she has historically found less comfortable.
"It’s nice to come to a Grand Slam after a couple of good results, especially because this swing is never one I’ve felt super comfortable at. I’ve made a lot of progress and I’m focused on improving the little things in my game," she added, indicating a methodical approach to refining her clay‑court‑honed skills for the faster hard courts.
On the men’s side, American Ben Shelton, the eighth seed, overcame a shaky start to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 1‑6, 6‑1, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑2 in a four‑set battle. Shelton, who hopes to become the first American man to lift the US Open trophy since 2003, entered New York with momentum after defending his Canadian Open title earlier in the month.
He described his early nerves: "I started off a little bit nervous tonight, but I found my rhythm at some point through the second set." Shelton praised Griekspoor’s aggressive style, noting that the Dutchman “doesn’t give you a lot of rhythm,” which contributed to the early set loss before Shelton settled into a more comfortable flow. 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 Swiss reflected on his two‑decade journey at Flushing Meadows: "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 semi‑finalist in 2019, will meet Argentine 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 deliver drama, fashion statements, and historic milestones.
Fans can follow live coverage on Sky Sports, stream matches contract‑free via NOW, or catch highlights on the Sky Sports app. The tournament’s blend of athletic excellence and cultural influence—exemplified by Osaka’s Iverson homage—underscores why the US Open remains a centerpiece of the global sports calendar.