Naomi Osaka paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson with a distinctive on-court ensemble during her US Open first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova. The Japanese tennis player sported Iverson's signature arm sleeves and headband, paired with a floor-length tulle skirt and a sleeveless hoodie featuring newspaper clippings of her career achievements.
Osaka, a known admirer of Iverson, stated that the basketball icon is a "trailblazer" and someone she looks up to for his influence on fashion and self-expression in sports. "He's also someone that I look up to a lot, because he's done a lot in fashion. Whether it's on purpose or not, he's shifted the way that NBA players dress," Osaka said. While she has not met Iverson, she expressed hope that he would see her tribute.
The design, by Téla D'Amore and Ev Bravado, was inspired by Iverson's gray sweats and his "nonconformist cadence." Designers reported having approximately 30 hours to create the look after receiving images from Osaka and her stylist, Law Roach.
This is not the first time Osaka has made a fashion statement at a Grand Slam. At the Australian Open, she wore an outfit that some observers likened to a "jellyfish-inspired" look, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and veil. For the French Open, her attire included a flowing black skirt and corset made from upcycled materials, followed by a shimmering gold dress that she said resembled the Eiffel Tower at night. This choice drew criticism from her first-round opponent, Laura Siegemund, who questioned whether Osaka was there to play tennis or put on a fashion show. However, other players, like Donna Vekic, defended Osaka's right to express herself through fashion.
At Wimbledon, Osaka creatively navigated the tournament's strict all-white dress code with a kimono-inspired outfit designed by Hana Yagi. The custom white ensemble featured embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, bell-shaped sleeves, an obi belt, and a trailing tulle skirt, paying homage to Japanese culture and actress Lucy Liu. Osaka subtly altered the styling of this outfit as she progressed through the tournament.
Previously, Osaka had mentioned feeling inspired to focus more on her tennis after her significant fashion statements. She described her pre-tournament photoshoots as explorations of the grounds before crowds arrive, finding inspiration in unexpected places like the media room. Osaka emphasized that her choices are not intended to make a statement but stem from her personal interests, and she is grateful when others relate to her style and self-expression.