Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open with her trademark flair, this time channeling the style of former NBA superstar 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 printed with newspaper headlines about her recent achievements. When she peeled away the robe to reveal a sleek black ensemble, her hair was styled in tight cornrows, echoing the look Iverson sported during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The visual tribute was more than a fashion statement; it was a personal nod to a player Osaka admires deeply.
"It's my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot," Osaka explained after her match. "Nike said basketball, so I said, 'OK, you want basketball, I'll give you basketball.'" She had also worn a shirt featuring Iverson’s portrait during a media day before the tournament, describing him as a "trailblazer" who reshaped the way athletes think about clothing and self‑expression. Osaka’s homage paid off on the court.
She battled Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova in a tight first‑round match, ultimately prevailing 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3). The victory propelled her into the second round and underscored how her confidence off‑court can translate into performance under pressure. Beyond the immediate match, Osaka’s comments highlighted a broader conversation about style in sport.
"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 said. While the two athletes have never spoken directly, Iverson responded on Instagram with an enthusiastic message: "Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can't wait to meet you." The day also featured other notable performances.
Polish star Iga Świątek, the eighth seed, cruised past China’s Wang Xiyu 6‑2, 6‑3, securing her place in the second round. Świątek, who captured her first title of the year in Toronto and reached the Cincinnati semifinals, expressed optimism about her form: "It was a good day in the office.
I felt pretty good from the beginning and had the energy and intensity. I want to keep it that way." She added that the swing surface in New York has historically been challenging for her, but recent progress has boosted her confidence as she chases a seventh Grand Slam title. 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 aims to become the first American man to lift the US Open trophy since 2003, has struggled in recent majors but arrived in New York with momentum after defending his Canadian Open crown. He acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting Griekspoor’s aggressive style: "I started off a little bit nervous tonight, but I found my rhythm at some point through the second set. Obviously, a lot of credit to Tallon, he's a good player to play, he doesn't give you a lot of rhythm." 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: "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 semifinalist, will meet Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone in the next round after Navone shocked the tournament by eliminating fourth seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set thriller. The upset underscores the unpredictable nature of the US Open, where emerging talents often topple established stars. The tournament continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans to follow every serve, rally, and fashion moment without a contract.
As the competition progresses, Osaka’s Iverson‑inspired look serves as a reminder that tennis, like basketball, is as much about personal expression as it is about athletic excellence. The interplay of sport and style will likely inspire more athletes to blend cultural icons into their own narratives, enriching the tapestry of modern tennis.