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 Japanese‑American star fell in a one‑sided fourth‑round match against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, she refused to let that loss diminish her status as the sport’s most outspoken style icon. Osaka’s sartorial statements have become a hallmark of her brand, and this year’s final Grand Slam saw her push the envelope even further, debuting a series of dramatic, basketball‑inspired looks that paid tribute to the New York Knicks’ recent championship victory, a partnership celebrated by her sponsor, Nike. When criticism began to surface online—some commentators questioning whether her fashion experiments distracted from the game—Osaka took to the social‑media platform Threads to set the record straight.
In a candid 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 underscored a recurring theme in her career: a willingness to blaze new trails, whether speaking openly about mental health challenges or redefining what a tennis wardrobe can look like. Osaka’s first‑round ensemble was a clear nod to NBA legend Allen Iverson.
She stepped onto Centre Court wearing a long, white tulle skirt paired with a dramatic grey, hooded robe. When she removed the hood, a headband held back her hair, which was styled in cornrows—a direct reference to Iverson’s iconic look during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The outfit was the work of Who Decides War, a New York‑based streetwear label known for its avant‑garde aesthetic.
By merging high fashion with street culture, Osaka signaled that tennis attire could be as expressive and layered as any runway piece. In the second round, Osaka continued her fashion narrative with a creation from Thom Browne. She wore a flowing white jacket embroidered with crossed tennis rackets, a subtle homage to the sport she dominates. Beneath the jacket, her tennis skirt was crafted from a mesh material that resembled a basketball net, reinforcing the tournament’s basketball theme while maintaining a sleek, athletic silhouette.
The juxtaposition of traditional tennis elements with basketball motifs highlighted Osaka’s ability to blend disparate influences into a cohesive visual story. The third‑round look came from the label Monse and featured an oversized hybrid of a grey suit jacket and a hoodie sweatshirt, paired with flowing grey fleece joggers. This ensemble deliberately blurred the lines between business attire and sportswear, illustrating Osaka’s belief that athletes should feel free to express themselves beyond the conventional confines of tennis dress codes.
The relaxed yet polished look resonated with fans who appreciate both comfort and style on the court. After her defeat on Monday, Osaka arrived for her final appearance wearing a multicoloured fur‑trimmed cloak designed by Brooklyn‑based KidSuper.
The vibrant coat, rich with bold hues and luxurious texture, served as a visual celebration of her journey through the tournament, even in defeat. When asked whether she regretted not being able to showcase additional planned outfits had she progressed further, Osaka replied, "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 reflected an enduring enthusiasm for fashion as a form of personal expression and a source of joy, regardless of match outcomes. Osaka’s fashion statements have broader implications for the sport.
Historically, tennis has adhered to a relatively conservative dress code, with players often limited to white attire at events like Wimbledon. In recent years, however, athletes such as Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, and now Osaka have challenged these norms, introducing vibrant colours, bold patterns, and unconventional silhouettes. Osaka’s willingness to collaborate with designers from the streetwear world signals a shift toward a more inclusive and diverse visual culture within tennis, one that welcomes influences from hip‑hop, basketball, and contemporary art. Beyond aesthetics, Osaka’s outspoken stance on mental health has sparked important conversations within the tennis community.
By linking the criticism of her clothing to the scrutiny she faced when discussing her own psychological struggles, she highlighted the double standards female athletes often endure. Her Haitian heritage, which she proudly references, adds another layer to her identity, emphasizing that cultural background can inform and enrich an athlete’s public persona. The US Open, broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, continues to draw viewers not only for high‑level competition but also for the cultural moments it produces.
Fans can stream matches without a contract on NOW or the Sky Sports App, and the tournament’s excitement extends beyond the courts to events like the Laver Cup at The O2 in London later in September. Osaka’s fashion journey at the US Open exemplifies how modern athletes can leverage their platform to influence style, spark dialogue on mental health, and inspire future generations to embrace authenticity both on and off the court.