Naomi Osaka has once again turned heads at the US Open, not just for her performance on the court but for the bold, eye‑catching outfits she chose to wear throughout the tournament. While the two‑time US Open champion fell in a one‑sided fourth‑round match against Elena Rybakina, her impact as a style icon remained unmistakable.
Osaka, who has built a reputation for making dramatic fashion statements at every event she attends, elevated her game at this year’s final Grand Slam by debuting a series of basketball‑inspired looks. The designs were a tribute to the New York Knicks’ recent championship triumph, a nod to her sponsor Nike’s partnership with the team. When the backlash began to surface—some critics questioning her sartorial choices and accusing her of seeking attention—Osaka took to the social‑media platform Threads to set the record straight. In a succinct yet defiant post she wrote, “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.” Her response highlighted both her resilience and her desire to pave the way for future athletes who wish to express themselves beyond the baseline.
The first round saw Osaka channel the legendary NBA guard Allen Iverson. She arrived on court wearing a flowing white tulle skirt paired with a dramatic grey, hooded robe. When she removed the hood, a striking hairstyle emerged: cornrows secured by a headband, echoing Iverson’s iconic look from his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The ensemble was crafted by Who Decides War, a New York‑based streetwear label known for its avant‑garde aesthetic.
The combination of high‑fashion fabrics with street‑culture references set a tone that was both playful and purposeful. In the second round, Osaka continued her fashion narrative with a piece from Thom Browne.
The outfit featured a white, flowing jacket embroidered with crossed tennis rackets, a subtle homage to her sport, while the mesh tennis skirt underneath resembled a basketball net, reinforcing the tournament’s basketball theme. The juxtaposition of classic tailoring with sporty motifs illustrated Osaka’s knack for blending elegance with athleticism.
The third‑round appearance was no less striking. Osaka chose a creation from the label Monse, which merged a grey suit jacket and hoodie sweatshirt into an oversized hybrid, paired with loose‑fit grey fleece joggers. This look was deliberately designed to blur the lines between business attire and activewear, suggesting that a tennis player can be both a competitor and a fashion forward figure without compromising either identity. After her defeat on Monday, Osaka stepped onto the court in a vibrant, fur‑trimmed cloak designed by Brooklyn‑based label KidSuper.
The multicoloured garment, rich in texture and pattern, served as a visual celebration of her cultural heritage and personal style, even in the face of disappointment. When reporters asked whether she felt any regret about not being able to showcase additional outfits had she progressed further in the tournament, Osaka responded 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 underscored that her wardrobe choices are as much about personal joy and creative expression as they are about public perception.
Osaka’s fashion statements at the US Open go beyond mere clothing; they represent a broader conversation about athlete autonomy, cultural representation, and the intersection of sport and style. By embracing bold silhouettes, vibrant colours, and collaborative designs with streetwear brands, she challenges the traditional expectations placed on tennis players to adhere to a conservative dress code.
Moreover, her willingness to address criticism head‑on—drawing parallels between the backlash she faced for speaking out about mental health and the scrutiny of her outfits—highlights her commitment to authenticity. The media coverage of Osaka’s outfits also reflects a growing interest in how athletes use fashion as a platform for storytelling. Each piece she wore was thoughtfully selected to convey a narrative: honoring the Knicks’ championship, paying homage to basketball legends, and celebrating her Haitian roots.
This layered approach invites fans to engage with her on multiple levels, appreciating not only her athletic prowess but also her cultural and artistic influences. As the US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, viewers can tune in to witness both the on‑court action and the off‑court fashion moments that make the tournament a cultural spectacle. For those without a contract, the matches are also available via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app.
In addition, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to the Laver Cup, taking place at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, which will also be streamed on Sky Sports. In summary, Naomi Osaka’s 2024 US Open campaign may have ended earlier than she hoped, but her impact as a fashion pioneer remains undeniable.
By boldly embracing basketball‑themed attire, responding unapologetically to critics, and using her platform to inspire future generations, Osaka continues to rewrite the rules of what it means to be a modern tennis star. Her story serves as a reminder that athletes can be influencers beyond their sport, shaping conversations about identity, creativity, and resilience.