Naomi Osaka channels NBA legend Allen Iverson in striking US Open look

Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open in a dramatic outfit inspired by Allen Iverson, one of the basketball players she admires most. The custom hooded, sleeveless sweatshirt, created by Who Decides War and styled by Law Roach, was covered with newspaper clippings about major moments in Osaka’s career. A white tulle skirt completed the look.

Osaka said Iverson was a pioneer and a role model. “He has had a significant impact on fashion, whether intentionally or not. He changed the way NBA players dress. I think he is also a role model in how athletes talk about clothing and how they can express themselves through style,” she said.

The basketball theme extended beyond her clothing. Osaka said NBA and WNBA players traditionally walk through an arena tunnel in front of spectators and cameras before games. After an attempt to create something similar in Toronto did not take off, she said New York seemed like a good place to try again.

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He has had a significant impact on fashion, whether intentionally or not. He changed the way NBA players dress. I think he is also a role model in how athletes talk about clothing and how they can express themselves through style.

Osaka described returning to the US Open as feeling somewhat like coming home. She wanted her outfit to capture the city’s energy and said street fashion felt like the most natural influence. Her tournament style has also drawn on a jellyfish at the Australian Open, Japanese heritage at Wimbledon and the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime glow at the French tournament.

On Monday in New York, Osaka won her first-round match against Russia’s Anastasia Zaharova, taking both tiebreak sets 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3).

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I wanted to bring the city’s atmosphere into my outfit.