Naomi Osaka Turns Heads With Allen Iverson Tribute and Wins US Open Opener

Naomi Osaka arrived at the US Open in a long, pale dress with a hooded cape and tightly braided hair, turning her first-round match into a tribute to Allen Iverson. She then delivered on court, beating Russia’s Anastassia Zakharova 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-3).

The Japanese star has made distinctive fashion a regular part of her Grand Slam appearances. In New York, she drew on Iverson’s image as both a spectacular basketball point guard and a fashion icon. His hip-hop-influenced style, cornrows and headband helped shape how NBA players dressed in the 1990s and 2000s.

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I really like him.

Osaka said Iverson’s influence went beyond clothing. “For me, he is a trailblazer,” she said before the match, adding that he changed NBA fashion and the wider discussion about clothing and personal expression in sport. She had already worn an Iverson shirt at her pre-match news conference.

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For me, he is a trailblazer.

After the ceremonial look, Osaka changed into her usual tennis outfit and secured a place in the second round, where she will play Czech player Katerina Siniakova. She reached last year’s US Open final and is seeking her first Grand Slam title since 2021. The article also notes that Osaka became a mother three years ago.

Carlos Alcaraz made a successful return after more than four months out with a wrist injury. The defending champion beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Alcaraz said the previous five months had been difficult, but he could not have chosen a better tournament for his return. He will be viewed as Alexander Zverev’s main rival in New York, with Jannik Sinner absent through injury.

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It was a very difficult five months for me. I could not have chosen a better tournament to play again.