Naomi Osaka appeared at the US Open in an outfit inspired by NBA legend Allen Iverson. Although Osaka is known for her powerful serve and Grand Slam champion status, at this year's tournament she once again demonstrated that her playing style deserves as much attention as her athletic achievements.
The two-time US Open champion made a striking entrance at Arthur Ashe Stadium during her first match. She walked onto the court in a complex, entirely white ensemble that immediately captured the attention of both the tennis and fashion communities.
This memorable costume included a hood, layers of white tulle, and newspaper cutouts woven into the design. The look resembled a red carpet appearance more than a traditional walk onto a tennis court. The individual creation was designed by the studio Who Decides War and styled by renowned image architect Lou Roach.
However, this clothing choice was not purely for fashion's sake. The look was inspired by NBA legend Allen Iverson, whose influence on basketball, streetwear, and popular culture has made him a long-term style icon. Osaka spoke about her admiration for Iverson as a pioneer and used this outfit to merge elements of basketball culture, New York, and her own journey in professional sports.
The newspaper cutouts integrated into the clothing referenced moments from Osaka's career, lending a deeply personal character to the dramatic ensemble. According to Vogue, the creative team had only 30 hours to bring this concept to life. The result was an outfit combining sportswear with high fashion, showcasing the evolution of tennis fashion.
Osaka has long used fashion as a form of self-expression. Over the years of her career, the four-time Grand Slam champion has created some of the most striking fashion looks in tennis, often drawing inspiration from her Japanese culture, pop culture, and personal interests. Earlier this year, she showcased a kimono-inspired look at Wimbledon, and her appearance at Roland Garros also featured a bold concept. Her style at the Australian Open 2026 was also dedicated to dramatic storytelling, showing that Osaka approaches every major tournament with a creative vision that extends beyond tennis itself.
Before the US Open, she already gave fans a preview of what was to come. During training at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Osaka was spotted in a bright orange, strapless outfit adorned with floral details. This look was complemented by a statement handbag and high heels, proving that even a training session can become a fashion moment when Osaka is involved.
Nevertheless, her recent appearance at the US Open raised the bar even higher.
A hallmark of Osaka's style is that there is almost always a story behind it. Instead of simply following the latest trends, the 28-year-old athlete often uses clothing to reference the people, cultures, and ideas that inspire her. At the US Open, this narrative manifested in a tribute to Iverson, the newspaper details marking moments from her career, and the combination of high fashion with athletic elements.
Osaka previously explained that she doesn't necessarily dress to make a statement, but fashion has become a way of self-expression outside of tennis. At this year's tournament, she seized the opportunity to combine her love for sports with an interest in fashion and creativity. It is also fitting that she chose the US Open for another major fashion event. New York has long been one of the world's most important fashion capitals, and the tournament itself is increasingly becoming a meeting point for sport, celebrities, entertainment, and style.
For Osaka, who has won the US Open twice in 2018 and 2020, this tournament holds special significance.
Of course, Osaka's fashion moment followed the sporting action. The Japanese star began her campaign with a convincing victory over Anastasia Zaharova, winning 7-6(6), 7-6(3) and advancing to the second round. However, her performance on the court did not overshadow the impression made by her appearance.
In an era where athletes are increasingly shaping their identity outside of their sports, Osaka continues to show that an athlete can be competitive, creative, and fashionable simultaneously. Her wardrobe at the US Open serves as a reminder that sports fashion should not be limited to uniforms and sponsor logos; it can tell stories, celebrate cultural influences, and provide athletes with another way to show the world who they are. Judging by Osaka's first look, fans can follow both the tennis and what she wears next.