Naomi Osaka has once again turned heads at the US Open, not just for her tennis but for the bold fashion statements she has been making on the court. Although the Japanese‑American star fell in a one‑sided fourth‑round match against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, she didn’t let the loss mute her voice as the sport’s most outspoken style icon. Throughout the tournament she showcased a series of eye‑catching outfits that paid tribute to basketball, a nod to her sponsor Nike’s celebration of the New York Knicks’ recent championship. When critics began to question her sartorial choices, Osaka took to the social‑media platform Threads to fire back.
"You know… idgaf if you don't like me," she typed. "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." Her response underscored a long‑standing pattern: Osaka has never shied away from using her visibility to spark conversation, whether about mental‑health advocacy or cultural representation, and now she’s extending that bravery to her wardrobe.
In the opening round, Osaka arrived on centre court channeling NBA legend Allen Iverson. She wore a floor‑length white tulle skirt paired with a dramatic grey, hooded robe. When she pulled the hood back, her hair was styled in cornrows and secured with a headband, directly referencing Iverson’s iconic look from his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The ensemble was a collaboration with Who Decides War, a New York‑based streetwear label known for its politically charged graphics and avant‑garde silhouettes. The outfit blended high fashion with street culture, echoing Osaka’s own hybrid identity as a tennis champion and a cultural influencer. Round two saw Osaka step into a creation by Thom Browne, a designer famous for reinterpreting classic tailoring with a modern twist. She sported a flowing white jacket embroidered with crossed tennis racquets, a subtle homage to her own sport, while the mesh material of her tennis skirt mimicked the texture of a basketball net.
The juxtaposition of tennis and basketball motifs reinforced the tournament’s underlying theme – a celebration of two beloved American pastimes through a single athlete’s wardrobe. For the third round, Osaka opted for Monse, a label that thrives on blending masculine and feminine aesthetics. She wore an oversized grey suit jacket that doubled as a hoodie, layered over soft fleece joggers.
The look was deliberately ambiguous, merging business attire with athletic wear, and it highlighted Osaka’s desire to blur the lines between formal and casual, performance and leisure. By choosing a piece that could pass for a boardroom outfit or a street‑style statement, she continued her narrative of challenging conventional expectations placed on women athletes. After her defeat on Monday, Osaka made a final fashion statement in a multicoloured fur‑trimmed cloak designed by Brooklyn’s KidSuper.
The piece was a riot of hues and textures, symbolising both the emotional turbulence of a hard‑fought match and the vibrant energy she brings to every public appearance. When asked whether she regretted not being able to showcase additional looks she had prepared for later rounds, Osaka replied 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 answer suggested that the creative process is ongoing, and that each tournament offers a fresh canvas for experimentation.
Osaka’s fashion choices at the US Open have sparked a broader conversation about the role of personal expression in professional sport. Historically, tennis has been governed by strict dress codes, from the all‑white tradition at Wimbledon to the more relaxed but still regulated attire at the Grand Slams. In recent years, players like Serena Williams, Alize Cornet and now Osaka have pushed back against those constraints, arguing that clothing can be a vehicle for cultural storytelling, empowerment, and even protest. Osaka’s decision to incorporate Haitian cultural references, basketball symbolism, and avant‑garde streetwear demonstrates how athletes can use their platform to celebrate heritage and challenge stereotypes.
Critics who dismissed her outfits as distractions missed an important point: fashion is an extension of identity. For Osaka, a mixed‑heritage athlete who grew up navigating Japanese, Haitian and American influences, each garment is a visual narrative of her multifaceted background.
By embracing bold colours, unconventional silhouettes, and collaborations with emerging designers, she is carving out a space where sport and style coexist without one diminishing the other. The reaction to Osaka’s wardrobe also highlights a tension between fan expectations and artistic freedom. Some spectators appreciate the fresh energy she brings, while others feel that the focus should remain solely on the game. Osaka’s unapologetic stance – "I don't care if you don’t like me" – serves as a reminder that athletes are also individuals with personal tastes, political views and cultural ties.
Her willingness to endure criticism mirrors the backlash she faced when speaking openly about mental health, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity over appeasement. Looking ahead, Osaka’s influence may encourage more players to experiment with their on‑court attire, potentially prompting tournament organizers to revisit dress‑code policies. As the sport continues to globalise, the infusion of diverse cultural elements into tennis fashion could become a hallmark of the next generation, making the courts a stage not only for athletic excellence but also for artistic expression.
For fans who missed the live coverage, the US Open matches are being broadcast on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. The tournament will also be accompanied by related events such as the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports. Whether you are tuning in for the tennis, the drama, or the runway‑worthy outfits, Naomi Osaka’s presence ensures that the US Open remains a cultural spectacle as much as a sporting one.