Naomi Osaka paid tribute to NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson with her outfit for her first-round match at the 2026 US Open.
Osaka appeared on court in a short-sleeved hoodie, red and black arm sleeves, and a full-length skirt, later revealing a black headband and cornrows. She stated the outfit was a tribute to Iverson, whom she admires. Nike, her apparel sponsor, had requested a basketball theme for some of its athletes at the tournament.
However, Osaka's choice of Iverson as inspiration has raised questions. Iverson never played for a New York NBA franchise, spending the majority of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, a rival to the New York Knicks. Additionally, Iverson was famously a Reebok athlete, not a Nike endorser, and has a lifetime endorsement deal with Reebok. He was initially drafted by the 76ers in 1996.
This marks another distinctive fashion statement for Osaka at Grand Slams, following a past outfit inspired by a jellyfish at the Australian Open.