Naomi Osaka once again turned heads with a striking fashion statement that paid tribute to former NBA star Allen Iverson during her opening match at the US Open. The two‑time champion made her way onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium after emerging from the tunnel in a dramatic ensemble: a flowing white skirt paired with a hooded robe emblazoned with newspaper clippings about her recent achievements.
When she shed the outer layer, she revealed a sleek black outfit underneath, and her hair was styled in tight cornrows—a nod to Iverson's iconic look when he was the league's MVP with the Philadelphia 76ers. Osaka’s sartorial salute was more than a casual reference; it was a deliberate, heartfelt tribute.
"It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot," she explained after the match.
"Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’" The tennis star’s admiration for the basketball legend extends beyond the court. During the media day preceding the tournament, Osaka wore a shirt featuring Iverson’s portrait and described him as a "trailblazer" who reshaped how athletes express themselves through clothing. "He’s done a lot in fashion, whether on purpose or not, and he changed the way NBA players dress," Osaka said, emphasizing how Iverson’s bold style inspired her own approach to personal expression. The match itself was a tightly contested battle against Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova.
Osaka survived two tie‑breaks, ultimately prevailing 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3) to advance to the second round. Her composure under pressure mirrored the confidence she exuded off the court, where she continued to discuss the broader conversation about sports apparel and individuality. "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. Although Osaka and Iverson have never spoken directly, the basketball legend responded to her homage on Instagram, posting, "Wow, what an honor!!
BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you." The exchange highlighted the cross‑sport admiration that is increasingly common among high‑profile athletes. While Osaka’s fashion moment captured headlines, other notable performances unfolded across the tournament. Former champion Iga Swiatek, the eighth seed from Poland, opened her campaign with a convincing 6‑2, 6‑3 win over China’s Wang Xiyu, securing her place in the second round. Swiatek, who recently captured a title in Toronto and reached the semi‑finals in Cincinnati, expressed confidence heading into the US Open, stating, "It was a good day in the office.
I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity. I want to keep it that way." American hopeful Ben Shelton, seeded eighth, also posted a dramatic comeback victory. After dropping the first set 1‑6 to Tallon Griekspoor, Shelton rallied to win 6‑1, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑2, showcasing resilience that could propel him toward a historic first American men’s title since 2003. He admitted to nerves early on but found his rhythm in the second set, noting, "He’s a good player to play, he doesn’t give you a lot of rhythm.
He has an attacking game style and I found things really difficult for the first set tonight." Veteran Stan Wawrinka, playing his final Grand Slam before retirement, bowed out after a straight‑sets loss to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. The 41‑year‑old Swiss reflected on his two‑decade US Open journey, 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 semi‑finalist in New York in 2019, will next face Argentine Mariano Navone, who shocked the tournament by eliminating fourth seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set thriller. Navone’s upset underscored the unpredictable nature of the US Open, where emerging talents can topple established stars.
Overall, Osaka’s fashion tribute sparked conversation about the intersection of sport, culture, and personal identity. By channeling Iverson’s iconic cornrow hairstyle and basketball‑inspired attire, she highlighted how athletes can draw inspiration from one another across disciplines, using clothing as a medium for storytelling. Her performance on the court, combined with her bold visual statement, reinforced her reputation not only as a tennis champion but also as a cultural influencer unafraid to blend sport and style. Fans can follow the ongoing action live on Sky Sports, stream matches contract‑free via NOW, or catch highlights on the Sky Sports app.
The US Open continues to deliver high‑stakes tennis, unforgettable fashion moments, and the occasional surprise upset that keeps audiences worldwide on the edge of their seats.