Naomi Osaka enters the US open in Allen Iverson inspired look.
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Naomi Osaka is known for her powerful serve and Grand Slam pedigree, but at this year’s US Open, the tennis star is once again proving that her style of game deserves just as much attention.
The two-time US Open champion made a dramatic entrance at Arthur Ashe Stadium for her opening match, stepping onto the court in an elaborate all-white look that immediately had the tennis and fashion worlds talking.
Osaka's statement-making outfit featured a hooded tunic, layers of white tulle and newspaper clippings woven into the design, creating an entrance that felt more like a red-carpet moment than a traditional walk onto a tennis court.
The custom creation was designed by Who Decides War and styled by renowned image architect Law Roach.
But this was not fashion 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 lasting style icon. Osaka has spoken about her admiration for Iverson as a trailblazer and used the outfit to bring together elements of basketball culture, New York City and her own journey in professional sport.
The newspaper clippings incorporated into the outfit referenced moments from Osaka's career, adding a deeply personal element to the dramatic ensemble.
According to Vogue, the creative team behind the look had just 30 hours to bring the concept to life. The result was an outfit that blended sportswear with couture and demonstrated just how far tennis fashion has evolved.
Osaka has long used fashion as a form of self-expression.
Over the years, the four-time Grand Slam champion has delivered some of tennis' most memorable style moments, often drawing inspiration from her Japanese heritage, pop culture and her personal interests.
Earlier this year, she wore a kimono-inspired look at Wimbledon, while her appearance at Roland Garros featured another bold fashion concept. Her 2026 Australian Open style also embraced dramatic storytelling, showing that Osaka approaches each major tournament with a creative vision beyond the tennis itself.
Ahead of the US Open, she had already given fans a preview of what was to come.
During practice at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Osaka appeared in a striking strapless orange ensemble decorated with floral details. The look was paired with a statement handbag and heels, proving that even a practice session can become a fashion moment when Osaka is involved.
Her latest US Open entrance, however, took things to another level.
What makes Osaka's style particularly interesting is that there is usually a story behind it.
Rather than simply wearing the latest trends, the 28-year-old often uses clothing to reference the people, cultures and ideas that inspire her.
At the US Open, that storytelling came through in the tribute to Iverson, the newspaper details celebrating moments from her career and the combination of high fashion with athletic influences.
Osaka has previously explained that she does not necessarily dress to make a statement, but fashion has become one of the ways she expresses herself beyond tennis. At this year's tournament, she has embraced the opportunity to combine her love for the sport with her interest in fashion and creativity.
It is also fitting that she chose the US Open for another major style moment.
New York has long been one of the world's most important fashion capitals, and the tournament itself has increasingly become a space where sport, celebrity, entertainment and style collide.
For Osaka, who has won the US Open twice in 2018 and 2020,the tournament holds particular significance.
Of course, Osaka's fashion moment was followed by the business of tennis.
The Japanese star opened her campaign with a hard-fought victory over Anastasia Zakharova, winning 7-6(6), 7-6(3) to progress to the second round.
But her performance on court did not overshadow the impact of her entrance.
In an era where athletes are increasingly building identities beyond their respective sports, Osaka continues to show that an athlete can be competitive, creative and fashion-forward all at once.
Her US Open wardrobe is a reminder that sports fashion does not have to be limited to uniforms and sponsorship logos. It can tell a story, celebrate cultural influences and give athletes another way to show the world who they are.
And if Osaka's opening look is anything to go by, fans may want to keep one eye on the tennis and the other on what she wears next.
Naomi Osaka isn't just serving aces at the US Open, she's serving fashion, too.
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