Naomi Osaka turned heads at her US Open debut, channeling the iconic style of former NBA star Allen Iverson.
The two‑time champion walked onto Arthur Ashe Stadium’s court wearing a long white skirt and a hooded robe adorned with newspaper clippings about her career.
After shedding the robe, she revealed a black ensemble with her hair styled in cornrows — a look Iverson famously sported during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Osaka went on to defeat Anastasia Zakharova in a tight two‑set battle, winning 7‑6(8‑6), 7‑6(7‑3) to advance to the second round.
“It’s my tribute to Iverson,” she said. “I really admire him. When Nike said ‘basketball,’ I replied, ‘Okay, you want basketball — I’ll give you basketball.’”
Earlier, she had worn a shirt featuring Iverson’s image during her pre‑tournament media session, calling him a “trailblazer.”
She added, “He’s someone I look up to; he’s influenced NBA fashion, intentionally or not, and changed how players dress.”
“The dialogue around athletic apparel and self‑expression through style is another reason I admire him,” Osaka noted.
Although the two have never spoken directly, Iverson later posted on his Instagram, “Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN — can’t wait to meet you.”
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