Naomi Osaka made her U.S. Open debut on Monday night wearing an ensemble inspired by basketball icon Allen Iverson, securing a 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) first-round victory over Anastasia Zakharova. The two-time U.S. Open champion entered Arthur Ashe Stadium in a hooded gown featuring press clippings from past tournaments and Iverson’s signature cornrows, headband, and arm sleeves. After removing the gown, she competed in a black tank top and metallic tennis skirt.
Osaka confirmed the tribute during an on-court interview, stating, “It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot.” She added that her apparel sponsor Nike had designated basketball as the U.S. Open theme, prompting her to incorporate Iverson’s style. Osaka also wore a T-shirt featuring Iverson’s 1999 Slam magazine cover during a media day news conference on Saturday, calling him “a trailblazer” who influenced fashion in sports.
The match itself saw Osaka overcome a slow start, racing to a 4-1 lead before Zakharova forced two tiebreaks. Osaka ultimately closed out the victory at 12:30 a.m. ET, crediting her ability to “hold her nerve” under pressure. She expressed gratitude to fans for staying late, saying, “I’m grateful to be able to play on this court again.”
Osaka’s outfit was part of a broader trend of bold fashion choices at this year’s Grand Slam events. At Wimbledon, she wore a kimono-inspired ensemble, while her Roland Garros look featured a layered outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime sparkle. Her Australian Open attire took cues from a jellyfish. This year’s U.S. Open theme, set by Nike, emphasized basketball, which Osaka embraced by channeling Iverson’s iconic style.
The four-time Grand Slam champion’s fashion statements have become a focal point of her Grand Slam appearances, often drawing attention regardless of her on-court performance. Osaka acknowledged this dynamic, noting that wins earn her “another grand entrance”, while losses reduce public interest in her attire.