Osaka Brings Style and Steel for Winning Start to US Open
- Tennis star Naomi Osaka announced she is launching a luxury accessory line during her 2026 US Open run, describing the brand as her "biggest dream" outside of tennis.
- Osaka debuted a custom Who Decides War gown at Arthur Ashe Stadium featuring sewn-in newspaper clippings of her career highlights, with stylist Law Roach serving as the "creative force" behind the design.
- The ensemble referenced NBA legend Allen Iverson, including his signature cornrows and gray sweatsuit aesthetic; Osaka called Iverson "an elite player on the court but also found a way to authentically merge culture, sports, and fashion."
- Iverson responded to the tribute on Instagram Monday, posting: "Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN cant wait to meet you," expressing appreciation for the homage.
- Beyond her athletic career, the 28-year-old champion told Fortune she wants to "create my own thing," having found support within the tennis world to pursue her entrepreneurial passion.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Why Naomi Osaka walked onto US Open court in gray hoodie and cornrows
Naomi Osaka paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson at the 2026 US Open, arriving in a gray hooded robe before revealing a black outfit and cornrows inspired by his style. Osaka said she admired Iverson’s influence on sports fashion. She then defeated Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets and advanced to the second round against Katerina Siniakova.
Osaka channels NBA icon Iverson to reach US Open second round
The Japanese 13th seed, US Open champion in 2018 and 2020, was made to work hard by Russia's Anastasia Zakharova before winning 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in just over two hours on the Arthur Ashe Stadium show court. As ever, Osaka's entrance on court grabbed the headlines, with the 28-year-old walking out in a billowy custom-made gown which contained sewn-in news clippings detailing her career. The four-time Grand Slam champion also had her hair brai…
Osaka, winner of the US Open in 2018 and 2020, defeated Russia's Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in the first round of a match that concluded after midnight. The former world number one struggled against Zakharova, ranked 101st in the WTA, who had a chance to serve for the first set and then led the tiebreak 4-3. Osaka resolved the challenge after two hours and two tiebreaks with a lackluster performance that didn't live up to the hype…
Naomi Osaka pays tribute to Allen Iverson with US Open look during hard-fought win
Osaka sported her hair in cornrows pulled back into a bun. Her black-on-black Nike kit had a vintage NBA jersey feel to it, with a metallic skirt that had a basket-like texture peeking out from underneath.
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