Naomi Osaka’s Iverson-inspired Look leads to US Open win

Naomi Osaka secured victory over Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in just over two hours on the Arthur Ashe Stadium show court to advance to the second round of the US Open.

Prior to the match, Osaka’s entry to the court was not just simple. Through her striking look, she paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson.

The 13th seeder entered the court wearing a custom-made billowy gown featuring sewn-in news clippings of her career and styled her hair in braids inspired by Iverson.

The fourth-time Grand-Slam champion also paid a heartfelt tribute in her pre-tournament press conference last week as she wore a t-shirt showing the NBA star Iverson.

"For me he's a trailblazer," Osaka said. "He's kind of like done a lot in fashion, whether it's on purpose or not, but he's shifted the way that NBA players dress.”

"I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like he's someone that I look up to in that regard."

Even during the match Osaka emulated Iverson’s significantly fierce competitiveness to finally defeat Zakharova. The match marked her return to competition following a month-long break since reaching the quarter-finals at the Canadian Open.

She plays 42nd-ranked Katerina Siniakova of Czechia in the next round.