Naomi Osaka made a striking statement during her 2026 US Open debut in New York, channeling Allen Iverson with a custom outfit featuring cornrows, a headband, and a hooded robe adorned with newspaper clippings. According to ESPN, the two-time US Open champion defeated Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) in the first round on Monday night to advance at Flushing Meadows.
Stepping Onto Arthur Ashe Stadium in Style
Entering the court under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Osaka immediately drew attention with a carefully curated ensemble. According to reporting from ESPN, Osaka emerged wearing a long white skirt paired with a gray, hooded robe covered in newspaper clippings about her. Once on the court, Osaka removed the robe to reveal a black outfit, completing the look with cornrows tucked beneath a headband—a nod to Allen Iverson when he was the NBA MVP while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.
“It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot,” Osaka said after securing her opening-round win, as reported by ESPN. Explaining the athletic inspiration behind the look, she added, “I mean, Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.'”
Connecting Fashion to the New York Knicks
Osaka’s sartorial choice aligned with her apparel company’s theme for the US Open. Following the New York Knicks’ capture of the NBA championship in June, ESPN noted that fellow competitor Aryna Sabalenka also embraced the basketball motif by sporting an orange dress matching one of the Knicks’ colors.
The tribute did not go unnoticed by the inspiration himself. According to ESPN, Allen Iverson liked the look.
Advancing in the Draw at Flushing Meadows
Beyond the pre-match headlines, Osaka had to battle through a demanding opening test against Anastasia Zakharova. The straight-sets victory, sealed through two hard-fought tiebreaks, pushed Osaka into the second round of the tournament. ESPN records show that the triumph marked her 10th major match win of the season, her most since 2019. Furthermore, it marks the first time she has won a match at all four majors since 2019.
What Comes Next
With her opening hurdle cleared in New York, Osaka turns her focus deeper into the tournament draw. Fans can follow her continued campaign through official US Open tournament broadcasts and updates as she prepares for her next opponent.
