Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open with her trademark sense of style, this time drawing clear inspiration from former NBA star Allen Iverson. The two‑time champion stepped out of the tunnel onto the center court of Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing a flowing white skirt layered over a hooded robe that was printed with newspaper clippings about her own career.
When she peeled away the robe to reveal a sleek black ensemble underneath, she had her hair styled in tight cornrows – a signature look that Iverson sported during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The visual tribute was more than a fashion statement; it was a deliberate nod to a player Osaka admires for both his on‑court brilliance and his impact on sportswear culture. Osaka’s outfit set the tone for her first‑round match, where she faced a resilient opponent in Anastasia Zakharova. The Russian challenger pushed the Japanese star to the limit, forcing two tie‑breaks.
Osaka ultimately prevailed 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3), securing a spot in the second round and confirming that her performance matched the confidence of her look. After the win, Osaka explained the motivation behind the homage: “It’s my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot.
Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘Okay, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’” The connection between Osaka and Iverson extends beyond a single outfit. On the eve of the tournament, she appeared in a press conference wearing a shirt emblazoned with Iverson’s portrait, calling him a “trailblazer.” She elaborated, “I think he’s someone I look up to a lot because he’s done a lot in fashion, whether on purpose or not, but he’s shifted the way NBA players dress.” Osaka highlighted how Iverson helped spark broader conversations about athletes expressing themselves through clothing, a dialogue she feels is still evolving in tennis.
"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 added. Even though the two have never spoken directly, Iverson responded to Osaka’s tribute on Instagram, posting, “Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you.” The exchange underscored the mutual respect between a tennis champion and a basketball legend, illustrating how sport transcends individual disciplines. While Osaka’s fashion moment captured headlines, other players also made notable strides in the opening day.
Former world number one Iga Świątek, the eighth seed from Poland, dispatched China’s Wang Xiyu 6‑2, 6‑3 to move into the second round. Świątek, who recently claimed a title in Toronto and reached the Cincinnati semi‑finals, said she felt “good right from the beginning” and emphasized her focus on strengthening the finer points of her game, especially on a surface she has historically found challenging. 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, who is chasing the first American men’s US Open title since 2003, described his early nerves and how he eventually found rhythm in the second set. He also praised Griekspoor’s aggressive style, noting that the Dutchman “doesn’t give you a lot of rhythm,” which contributed to Shelton’s initial difficulties.
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 journey at Flushing Meadows, 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 next face Argentine Mariano Navone, who shocked the tournament by eliminating fourth‑seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set thriller. The opening day of the US Open thus blended athletic drama with cultural expression.
Osaka’s Iverson‑inspired look reminded fans that athletes often draw inspiration from one another, using fashion as a bridge between sports. Meanwhile, the on‑court battles set the stage for a tournament filled with storylines, from rising stars seeking breakthrough titles to seasoned champions bidding farewell.
Viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports, stream without a contract on NOW, or catch highlights and analyses through the Sky Sports app. The blend of performance and personality promises an engaging fortnight of tennis at New York’s iconic venue.