Naomi Osaka’s striking US Open outfit actually has a special meaning that many fans might not notice.
Naomi Osaka caught everyone’s eye with her cool outfit as she walked onto the court before her first-round win at the US Open — and there’s a special story behind it that many might not know.
Osaka, who has won the US Open singles title twice, beat Anastasia Zakharova 7-6, 7-6 in just over two hours to move on to round two. She won two tiebreaks with scores of 8-6 and 7-3, and now faces the top women’s doubles player, Katerina Siniakova, in the next round.
Osaka is known for her stylish outfits during walk-ons, especially at big tournaments. On Monday night, she wore a grey hooded robe decorated with newspaper clippings about herself, paired with a plain white skirt. When she got to the court, she pulled up her hood to show off her cornrow hairstyle and a red-and-white striped headband.
Her look was actually a tribute to former NBA star Allen Iverson, who she called a “trailblazer” for changing how NBA players dress.
“He’s someone I really look up to because of what he’s done in fashion, whether he meant to or not,” Osaka said before the tournament started. “He changed the way NBA players dress, and I think he helped start a bigger conversation about expressing yourself through sports clothing. I really admire that.”
When asked if she had talked to Iverson before the US Open, Osaka said, “Zero right now. But hopefully he’ll see this!”
After her win over Zakharova, Osaka told reporters, “Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, if you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball!’ I love showing who I am through what I wear. I’m not much for talking, so it’s cool that people enjoy my style. See you in the next round!”
Iverson did see her outfit and even commented on her Instagram, saying, “Wow, what an honor! BIG FAN, can’t wait to meet you.”
Osaka, who won this tournament in 2018 and 2020, might play world number two Elena Rybakina in the fourth round. If Rybakina makes it to the semifinals or if some other players don’t win the title, she could become world number one by the end of the tournament.
Osaka herself has been world number one before and is now ranked 13th, holding a strong spot among the top 16 women’s singles players.