September 1, 2026 | 08:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Naomi Osaka brought an unexpected basketball influence to her 2026 US Open debut, channeling NBA legend Allen Iverson as she stepped onto the court Monday night.
According to ESPN, the Japanese tennis star entered Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing a long white skirt and a gray hooded robe adorned with newspaper clippings about her.
After removing her hood, Osaka revealed a black outfit, with her hair styled in cornrows beneath a headband—a look reminiscent of Iverson during his MVP-winning days with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The tribute came as Osaka began her campaign at Flushing Meadows against Anastasia Zakharova. Despite the attention surrounding her look, she remained focused when the match began.
Osaka eventually secured a tight 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) victory over Zakharova, winning both sets through tiebreaks to advance in the tournament.
She said the two had never been in contact, although Iverson sent Osaka a message on Instagram on Monday, writing, “Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN, can’t wait to meet you.”
Osaka said Iverson is someone she looks up to, particularly for his influence on fashion. She noted that, intentionally or not, he helped change the way NBA players dress.
Osaka's Iverson-inspired debut combined style and substance. She made a statement with her appearance and delivered under pressure, beginning her US Open campaign with a win.
Read: Roger Federer Receives Hall of Fame Ring at 2026 US Open
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