Osaka's Iverson-inspired kit wins at US Open

Naomi Osaka made a striking entrance for her US Open first-round match, wearing a hooded white gown adorned with sewn-in newspaper cuttings about her career. Underneath, she played in an all-black basketball-style kit, a look she said was inspired by NBA icon Allen Iverson.

Osaka, the 13th seed and a two-time US Open champion, defeated Russia's Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-3) in a night session match that finished just before 00:30 local time. The former world number one will now face the Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova in the second round.

Fashion Tribute to a Trailblazer

After the match, Osaka explained her outfit's inspiration. She called Iverson a "trailblazer" who shifted how NBA players dress. "He's done a lot in fashion, whether it's on purpose or not," Osaka said. She added that she looks up to him for the conversation he sparked about expressing oneself through style in sports, saying, "I feel like he's someone that I look up to in that regard."

Osaka has a history of notable Grand Slam outfits, including a spectacular jellyfish outfit at the Australian Open, a sparkly Eiffel Tower-inspired golden dress at the French Open, and an elegant all-white Japanese kimono at Wimbledon.

A Hard-Fought Victory

Osaka's performance against world number 101 Zakharova was less stylish than her attire. She started strongly, breaking serve early to lead 2-0 in the first set and later moving to a 5-2 advantage. However, Zakharova showed heart as she rallied to force a tie-break.

The pattern repeated in the second set, with Osaka securing an early break before Zakharova fought back again. Osaka's superb serve proved decisive in the second tie-break, where she built a commanding 5-1 lead before closing out the straight-sets win.

Promise of More to Come

Osaka promised her fans further fashion statements if she continues to advance. "I wanted to play well because I wanted to show you guys some more outfits," she said. The player added that she loves expressing herself through clothes because she does not like talking too much.

Her next test comes against Katerina Siniakova, with another unique outfit reportedly planned for the match.