NEW YORK — The U.S. Open, known for its vibrant atmosphere, has become a platform for Naomi Osaka to amplify her fashion vision. The four-time Grand Slam champion has consistently used her appearances at major tournaments to showcase elaborate outfits that reflect her personality and creativity.
Osaka has long believed that fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, and she has invested her own resources into designing pieces that resonate with her identity. Over the years, she has unveiled a series of striking outfits, including a jellyfish-inspired ensemble at the 2026 Australian Open and a glittering bronze dress inspired by the Eiffel Tower at the French Open. At Wimbledon, she turned heads with a meticulously embroidered kimono, further establishing her reputation as a fashion-forward athlete.
For this year's U.S. Open, Osaka has expanded her fashion narrative beyond the court. She has been actively participating in photo shoots around the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, showcasing her style in various pre-practice looks. One standout outfit featured a stunning Dolce & Gabbana dress, styled by renowned fashion expert Law Roach, who also curated her walk-on attire for the tournament's opening matches.
During her first-round match on Monday night against Anastasia Zakharova, Osaka paid homage to NBA legend Allen Iverson. Her outfit, a blend of athletic and high-fashion elements, included a French terry sweatshirt adorned with press clippings highlighting her career achievements, paired with a full tulle skirt. Completing the look, she wore cornrows, reminiscent of Iverson's signature style, along with accessories like a sweatband and arm sleeve that he famously donned during his games.
This fashion statement aligns with Nike's basketball-inspired theme at the U.S. Open, which has seen defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka and men's champion Carlos Alcaraz sporting outfits that reflect the sport's crossover with streetwear. Osaka expressed her excitement about the theme, noting that it draws inspiration from the NBA and WNBA's iconic tunnel walk-ons, a concept she felt was perfect for New York.
The creative energy of New York has inspired Osaka to go beyond a simple walk-on outfit this tournament. Throughout the week, she has shared photoshoots that nod to '90s and early 2000s nostalgia, incorporating personal touches like an editorial code featuring her and Iverson's initials. At her pre-tournament news conference, she sported a vintage U.S. Open ball cap from her birth year, 1997, alongside a T-shirt featuring Iverson.
Osaka admires Iverson not only for his basketball prowess but also for his influence on fashion within the sport. She remarked on his trailblazing style and how he has shifted the cultural conversation around athletes' fashion choices. "He’s a trailblazer. I think he’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s done a lot in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not," Osaka said.
Inspiration has been a driving force for Osaka lately, as she referenced a story about Michael Jackson's relentless pursuit of creativity. "I literally do the things that I love to do, and I feel like people relate to it," she shared, highlighting her desire to act on her ideas as they come to her. Osaka's unique blend of tennis and fashion continues to captivate fans and redefine the role of athletes in the world of style.
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