Naomi Osaka Pays Homage to Allen Iverson at U.S. Open with Unique Outfit
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — Naomi Osaka made a bold fashion statement at the U.S. Open, drawing inspiration from NBA legend Allen Iverson. On Monday night, Osaka stepped onto the court in Arthur...
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — Naomi Osaka made a bold fashion statement at the U.S. Open, drawing inspiration from NBA legend Allen Iverson.
On Monday night, Osaka stepped onto the court in Arthur Ashe Stadium for her first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova. She wore a long, white skirt paired with a gray, hooded robe adorned with newspaper clippings about her career.
Osaka initially kept her hood up, revealing a black outfit underneath and cornrows styled under a headband once she removed it—a nod to Iverson’s iconic look during his MVP season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
This outfit aligns with her apparel company’s theme for the tournament, following the New York Knicks’ NBA championship win in June. Fellow player Aryna Sabalenka is also participating, wearing an orange dress, one of the Knicks’ colors.
After her 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) victory, Osaka explained her choice, saying, It’s my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot. She continued, “Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’”
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Osaka had previously worn a shirt featuring Iverson’s picture during a media session before the tournament, praising him as a trailblazer. “I think he’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s kind done a lot in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not, but he’s shifted the way that NBA players dress,” she noted.
Although they have never communicated, Iverson expressed his admiration for Osaka on Instagram, writing: “Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you.”
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
