Naomi Osaka may have bowed out of the US Open, but she left the tournament drenched in vivid color and a noticeable dose of swagger. Fans and fashion watchers alike are left wondering which of her looks throughout the fortnight was the true standout. Although the two‑time champion suffered a decisive defeat in the fourth round at the hands of Elena Rybakina, Osaka continued to cement her reputation as the tour’s unrivaled style icon.
Even in loss, her on‑court wardrobe commanded as much attention as any rally, turning each match into a runway moment. Osaka has long been celebrated for her bold sartorial statements at Grand Slam events, but this year’s US Open saw her elevate the concept to new heights.
Partnering with Nike, she embraced a basketball‑centric theme that paid homage to the New York Knicks’ recent championship triumph. Each outfit blended high fashion with street‑wear sensibilities, creating a narrative that linked tennis and basketball culture. In the opening round, Osaka drew inspiration from NBA legend Allen Iverson.
She stepped onto the court wearing a flowing white tulle skirt that swayed with each movement, paired with a dramatic grey, hooded robe. When she lifted the hood, a sleek headband revealed cornrowed hair—a direct nod to Iverson’s iconic look during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The ensemble was the creation of Who Decides War, a New York‑based streetwear label known for its avant‑garde designs. The combination of ethereal tulle and urban grit captured the duality of Osaka’s personality: graceful yet fiercely competitive.
Round two saw the Japanese star turn to Thom Browne for a look that married classic tailoring with subtle tennis references. She wore a white jacket that billowed slightly, embroidered with crossed tennis racquets—a subtle yet clever detail that linked her sport to the broader theme of competition.
Beneath the jacket, her skirt featured a mesh fabric that mimicked the texture of a basketball net, reinforcing the ongoing dialogue between the two sports. The outfit’s clean lines and precise tailoring highlighted Osaka’s poise, while the hidden basketball motif kept the overall concept cohesive.
The third‑round appearance introduced the label Monse into Osaka’s wardrobe rotation. She opted for an oversized hybrid piece that combined a grey suit jacket with a hoodie sweatshirt, layered over loose, fleece‑lined joggers. This look blurred the boundaries between business attire and athletic wear, suggesting that the athlete can be both a professional on the court and a fashion entrepreneur off it.
The relaxed silhouette allowed for unrestricted movement, yet the polished tailoring ensured she remained a visual focal point for spectators and cameras alike. Following her loss on Monday, Osaka arrived for her final court appearance draped in a multicoloured, fur‑trimmed cloak designed by Brooklyn’s KidSuper. The piece was a riot of hues, each stripe and patch representing a different facet of her vibrant personality. The fur trim added a touch of luxury, while the bold colour palette echoed the celebratory spirit of a champion who refuses to fade quietly after a defeat.
When asked whether she regretted not being able to showcase additional outfits she had planned for later rounds, Osaka responded with characteristic optimism. “I think there’s always something,” she said, smiling. “It’s a way for me to have fun and keep myself excited.” Her answer underscored a key element of her brand: fashion is not merely a side project but an integral part of how she expresses herself and connects with fans. The US Open broadcast continues on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering viewers a chance to catch every match and every outfit.
For those interested in live tennis beyond the Grand Slam, the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, also televised on Sky Sports. Osaka’s fashion journey at the 2024 US Open illustrates how modern athletes can leverage their platform to influence style trends worldwide.
By weaving basketball motifs into her tennis wardrobe, she not only honored her sponsor’s partnership with the Knicks but also created a visual story that resonated with fans of both sports. Each look was carefully curated, from the Iverson‑inspired tulle skirt to the KidSuper cloak, demonstrating a commitment to originality and cultural relevance. In summary, while Osaka’s run in the tournament ended earlier than many hoped, her sartorial legacy will endure. Whether you favored the street‑wear edge of Who Decides War, the refined elegance of Thom Browne, the hybrid comfort of Monse, or the kaleidoscopic exuberance of KidSuper, each outfit contributed to a broader narrative: Naomi Osaka is as much a fashion pioneer as she is a tennis champion, and her US Open wardrobe will be remembered as one of the most daring and memorable in recent Grand Slam history.