Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open with her signature sense of style, this time deliberately echoing the look of former NBA star Allen Iverson. The two‑time champion stepped out of the tunnel onto the Arthur Ashe Stadium court wearing a flowing white skirt and a hooded robe that was printed with newspaper clippings chronicling her own career milestones. When she shed the outer layer, she revealed a sleek black ensemble underneath, and her hair was fashioned into tight cornrows—a nod to Iverson’s iconic hairstyle during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The visual tribute was more than a fashion statement; it was a clear acknowledgment of the impact Iverson has had on Osaka’s personal aesthetic and on the broader conversation about self‑expression in sport. "It’s my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot," Osaka explained after her match.
"Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘Okay, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’" Osaka’s homage extended beyond the court. In the pre‑tournament press conference she wore a shirt emblazoned with Iverson’s portrait and described him as a "trailblazer" who has reshaped how NBA players approach their wardrobes. "I think he’s someone I look up to a lot because he’s done so much in fashion, whether intentionally or not, and he’s changed the way basketball players dress," she said. Osaka added that she sees Iverson as a catalyst for the broader dialogue about clothing in sports and the freedom athletes have to express themselves through style.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair. Osaka faced Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova and secured a hard‑won victory, prevailing 7‑6 (8‑6), 7‑6 (7‑3).
The win propelled her into the second round of the tournament, reinforcing her status as a formidable competitor on the Grand Slam stage. After the match, Osaka reflected on her performance, noting that the support from the crowd and the energy of New York helped her stay focused during the crucial points. Iverson, who had not previously spoken directly with Osaka, acknowledged her tribute on Instagram on Monday, posting a short video that read, "Wow, what an honor!!
BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you." The exchange highlighted the mutual respect between athletes from different disciplines and underscored how cultural icons can inspire one another across sport boundaries. While Osaka was making headlines for her fashion homage, other notable players also kicked off their US Open campaigns.
Former champion Iga Swiatek, the eighth seed from Poland, opened her tournament with a convincing 6‑2, 6‑3 win over China’s Wang Xiyu, advancing to the second round. Swiatek, who captured her first title of an otherwise uneven year in Toronto and reached the semi‑finals in Cincinnati, expressed confidence heading into New York. "It was a good day in the office," she said after the match, adding that she felt strong from the start and was eager to continue improving the finer aspects of her game. American hopeful Ben Shelton, seeded eighth, also survived a challenging first‑round encounter.
After dropping the opening set 1‑6 to Tallon Griekspoor, Shelton rallied to win the next three sets 6‑1, 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑2. The Dutchman had arrived in New York riding momentum from a stunning upset over top seed Alexander Zverev in Montreal, making the victory a significant morale boost for Shelton as he pursues his first Grand Slam title. "I started off a little nervous, but I found my rhythm in the second set," Shelton said post‑match, acknowledging Griekspoor’s aggressive style and the difficulty of establishing flow early on.
Veteran Stan Wawrinka, playing his final Grand Slam before retirement, was defeated by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in straight sets, 7‑6 (7‑4), 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑0. The 41‑year‑old Swiss reflected on his two‑decade history at the US Open, 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 next face Argentine Mariano Navone, who shocked the tournament by eliminating fourth‑seed Novak Djokovic in a five‑set thriller. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app for viewers who prefer a contract‑free experience. In addition to tennis, Sky Sports will also cover the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27. Osaka’s deliberate nod to Iverson illustrates how athletes increasingly use fashion as a platform to honor personal idols and to spark conversations about identity, culture, and the evolving role of style in professional sports.
By merging basketball heritage with tennis tradition, Osaka not only celebrated an admired predecessor but also reinforced her own brand as a versatile, culturally aware competitor who embraces the power of visual storytelling on and off the court.