Naomi Osaka Secures US Open First-Round Victory in Allen Iverson-Inspired Outfit

Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round of the US Open after defeating unseeded Russian player Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3). The two-time Flushing Meadows winner made a striking entrance at Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing a custom walk-on outfit before battling through two tight tie-breaks to seal the win.

Osaka's entry attire featured a hooded tunic adorned with patchwork-style panels of press clippings from her past tournament appearances, complete with a billowing white tulle train. For her playing kit, the 13th seed drew inspiration from NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson. Osaka revealed that Nike suggested a basketball theme, prompting her to pay tribute to the basketball icon. She expressed her passion for self-expression through her clothing choices during post-match comments.

FASHION TRIBUTES ACROSS THE MAJORS

The US Open appearance continues a trend of distinctive outfits for Osaka at this year's Grand Slam tournaments. At Wimbledon, she wore a kimono-inspired ensemble complete with a traditional kanzashi hair ornament before switching to a standard white Nike playing kit. Her outfit at Roland Garros featured a black Kevin Germanier skirt and a layered yellow, brown, and gold look inspired by the Eiffel Tower's nighttime illumination. Earlier in the year, her Australian Open aesthetic took cues from a jellyfish.

ON-COURT BATTLE AND ADVANCEMENT

On the court, the 2018 and 2020 US Open champion initially raced to a 4-1 lead in the opening set before world number 101 Zakharova fought back to force a tie-break. Osaka claimed the first set tie-break 8-6 and navigated another close set in the second, securing the match in a 7-3 tie-break as the clock approached 12:30 a.m. local time.

Reflecting on the contest, Osaka admitted feeling nervous and a little rusty in first-round matches, stating that winning required everything she had. She expressed her gratitude for competing on Arthur Ashe Stadium again and thanked the late-night crowd for staying. Osaka will face Czech player Kateřina Siniaková in the second round.