Naomi Osaka opened her 2026 U.S. Open marketing campaign with each a victory and a tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson.
The 2-time U.S. Open champion defeated Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) in a late-night first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Afterward, Osaka acknowledged how demanding the competition had been.
“I’d say it took the whole lot,” Osaka stated. “I do not know what time it’s, so thanks for staying. I’m positive it’s actually late. I’m simply actually grateful to play on this courtroom once more.”
Osaka additionally attracted consideration earlier than the match with a customized Who Decides Battle outfit styled by Regulation Roach.
The look included a hooded prime that includes newspaper clippings from memorable moments in her profession, together with a tulle robe and basketball-inspired components.
The 28-year-old revealed that Iverson was the inspiration behind the outfit.
“It’s my tribute to Iverson,” Osaka stated. “I actually like him lots. Nike stated ‘basketball.’ So I stated, ‘OK, you need basketball, I’ll offer you basketball.’
“I really like expressing myself via garments. I don’t like speaking that a lot, I inform individuals. I’m glad you guys respect it and I’ll see you within the subsequent spherical.”
Iverson had already responded positively after studying about Osaka’s admiration for him.
“Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to fulfill you,” Iverson wrote on Instagram.
Osaka later defined why the previous NBA MVP has influenced her past basketball.
“For me, he’s a trailblazer,” Osaka stated. “I believe he’s additionally somebody that I look as much as lots as a result of he’s type of like doing lots in vogue, whether or not it’s on function or not.
“However he’s shifted the best way that NBA gamers gown and I additionally assume the entire dialog round garments in sports activities. Additionally simply expressing your self via model, I really feel like he’s somebody I look as much as in that regard.”
