Naomi Osaka has once again found herself at the center of a fashion debate, this time after she turned the US Open into a runway for a series of bold, statement‑making outfits. While the Japanese‑American star’s performance on the court fell short – she was dispatched in a one‑sided fourth‑round loss to Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina – her sartorial selections continued to dominate headlines and spark conversation across the tennis world. Osaka is no stranger to using her appearance as an extension of her personality and platform.
Over the years she has built a reputation for debuting eye‑catching looks at Grand Slam events, but this year she elevated the concept to new heights. In partnership with Nike, which was celebrating the New York Knicks’ recent championship triumph, Osaka’s wardrobe for the tournament was deliberately themed around basketball. Each ensemble was carefully curated to echo iconic moments and figures from the sport, creating a visual narrative that linked the worlds of tennis and basketball. When the backlash began – critics accused her of prioritising style over substance and claimed that her outfits were a distraction – Osaka responded directly on the social‑media platform Threads.
Her reply was unapologetic and confident: “You know… idgaf if you don’t like me. I don’t mind being the first to do something and getting trashed for it. This happened when I talked about mental health and for some reason it’s happening with my clothes lol. I’m literally Haitian; it’s in my blood to be this way.
As long as the people after me have an easier path it’s worth it.” By framing her fashion choices as part of a broader cultural and personal expression, she underscored the idea that athletes can be multidimensional figures who influence more than just the scoreboard. Her first‑round appearance was a clear homage to NBA legend Allen Iverson.
Osaka stepped onto the court wearing a flowing white tulle skirt paired with a dramatic grey, hooded robe. When she pulled back the hood, her hair was styled in cornrows and secured with a headband, mirroring Iverson’s iconic look during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The outfit was a collaboration with Who Decides War, a New York‑based streetwear label known for its avant‑garde designs. The look blended high fashion with street culture, reinforcing Osaka’s message that sport, style, and self‑expression are not mutually exclusive.
In the second round, the four‑time Grand Slam champion switched gears, opting for a creation by Thom Browne. She wore a crisp white jacket embroidered with crossed tennis rackets, a subtle nod to her own sport, while the mesh fabric of her tennis skirt resembled a basketball net. This juxtaposition of tennis and basketball motifs highlighted the thematic continuity of her wardrobe while allowing the designer’s sophisticated tailoring to shine.
The third‑round outfit took a different direction, featuring the label Monse. Osaka donned an oversized hybrid piece that combined a grey suit jacket with a hoodie sweatshirt, layered over loose, grey fleece joggers.
The ensemble was designed to blur the lines between business attire and athletic wear, suggesting that the boundaries between professional and casual, formal and sporty, can be fluid. This look resonated with many fans who appreciated the comfort‑first approach without sacrificing style. After her defeat on Monday, Osaka arrived for her final court appearance in a vibrant, fur‑trimmed cloak created by Brooklyn’s KidSuper.
The multi‑coloured outerwear was a dramatic finale to her fashion saga at the tournament, symbolizing both celebration and resilience. When asked whether she regretted not being able to showcase additional looks she had planned, Osaka answered with characteristic optimism: “I mean, I think there’s always something, you know? I feel like that’s a way that I can have fun and sort of just excite myself, also.” Her response highlighted the joy she derives from experimenting with clothing and the importance she places on personal enjoyment.
Osaka’s fashion narrative at the US Open extends beyond mere aesthetics; it reflects her broader advocacy for mental health awareness, cultural representation, and the empowerment of future athletes. By embracing her Haitian heritage and using fashion as a conduit for cultural dialogue, she positions herself as a trailblazer who paves the way for more inclusive and expressive representation in sports. Her willingness to face criticism head‑on, coupled with her commitment to making the path smoother for those who follow, underscores a legacy that transcends trophies. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports App, and the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also on Sky Sports.
Whether fans are drawn to Osaka’s on‑court performance or her off‑court sartorial statements, her impact on the sport’s cultural landscape is undeniable and will likely inspire a new generation of athletes to view fashion as a powerful form of self‑expression.