Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open with a fashion statement that echoed the iconic style of former NBA star Allen Iverson, turning her match entrance into a runway tribute. The two‑time US Open champion stepped out of the tunnel at Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing a flowing white skirt paired with a hooded robe emblazoned with newspaper clippings about her own career. When she shed the robe to reveal a sleek black outfit underneath, she sported her hair in cornrows, a hairstyle famously worn by Iverson during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
This visual nod was more than a casual reference; Osaka explained that it was a deliberate salute to a player she admires deeply. "It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot," she said in the post‑match interview. "Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’" The homage extended beyond the court.
On the media day preceding the tournament, Osaka wore a shirt featuring Iverson’s portrait and praised him as a "trailblazer" in the world of sport and 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 told reporters.
She added that Iverson’s influence goes beyond clothing, noting his role in encouraging athletes to express themselves through personal style. "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 continued. Although the two have never spoken directly, Iverson responded to Osaka’s tribute on Instagram, posting a short message that read: "Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you." On the court, Osaka’s performance matched the flair of her outfit.
She faced a determined Anastasia Zakharova in the first round and secured a hard‑fought win, prevailing 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3). The match showcased Osaka’s resilience under pressure, as she saved multiple break points and displayed her signature power game when it mattered most. Her victory propelled her into the second round, where she will look to build on the momentum generated by both her fashion statement and her tennis.
Osaka’s tribute fits into a broader narrative of athletes using their platforms to celebrate icons from other sports. By borrowing Iverson’s cornrows and street‑wear aesthetic, she highlighted the crossover appeal of basketball culture within tennis, a sport traditionally associated with more conservative attire. This blending of styles reflects a growing trend where players like Osaka, who have a strong sense of personal branding, use their visibility to bridge gaps between different athletic worlds.
The US Open day also featured other notable performances. Former champion Iga Swiatek, the eighth seed from Poland, 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 the season in Toronto and made a deep run to the semi‑finals in Cincinnati, expressed confidence after her 88‑minute match.
"It was a good day in the office," she said, noting that she felt strong from the start and was able to maintain her energy and intensity throughout. She emphasized the importance of fine‑tuning the smaller aspects of her game, especially on a surface that has historically been challenging for her. American hopeful Ben Shelton also made headlines, rebounding from a shaky opening set to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 1‑6, 6‑1, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑2. The 23‑year‑old, who hopes to become the first American man to lift the US Open trophy since 2003, described his early nerves and how he eventually found his rhythm in the second set.
"I started off a little bit nervous tonight, but I found my rhythm at some point through the second set," Shelton explained. He praised Griekspoor’s aggressive style, acknowledging that the Dutchman made it difficult to establish a flow in the first set.
Shelton’s win comes after a successful defense of his Canadian Open title, giving him a surge of confidence heading into the later rounds. 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 semi‑finalist in 2019, will face Argentine Mariano Navone in the next round after Navone delivered a stunning upset by eliminating fourth seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set thriller.
The day’s events underscored the US Open’s reputation as a tournament where fashion, personal expression, and high‑level competition intersect. Osaka’s Iverson‑inspired look sparked conversations about the influence of basketball culture on tennis attire, while her on‑court success reinforced her status as a top contender. Meanwhile, rising stars and seasoned veterans alike delivered compelling matches, setting the stage for an exciting second week of play. Fans can continue to follow the action live on Sky Sports, stream without a contract on NOW, or catch highlights and analysis through the Sky Sports app.
The tournament promises more drama, style, and unforgettable moments as the world’s best athletes vie for glory on the hard courts of New York.