Naomi Osaka Pays Homage to Allen Iverson with Bold US Open Debut Outfit

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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