Naomi Osaka Stuns In Newspaper-Clipping Robe At US Open, Channels Allen Iverson

Last Updated:September 01, 2026, 09:48 IST

Naomi Osaka honored Allen Iverson at the U.S. Open, sporting cornrows and a robe with newspaper clippings about her.

Naomi Osaka turns head at US Open. (AP Photo)

Before she even struck the first shot of her US Open 2026 campaign, Naomi Osaka had already tongues wagging. With a little inspiration from NBA star Allen Iverson, Osaka made quite an entrance at the Arthur Ashe Stadium late Monday drawing a huge cheer from the capacity crowd gathered to witness her face Anastasia Zakharova in the first round of women’s singles event.

Osaka went on to defeat Zakharova 7-6, 7-6 to advance into the next round.

The two-time U.S. Open champion made another statement with her pre-match entrance as he walked through the tunnel at the venue in a long white skirt and a gray hooded robe covered in newspaper clippings about her.

She entered with the hood pulled up before taking it off to reveal a black outfit underneath.

Her hair was styled in cornrows, a look closely associated with Iverson during his time as the Philadelphia 76ers star and NBA MVP.

The nod to Iverson was hardly accidental. On Saturday, Osaka met with the media ahead of the tournament wearing a shirt featuring the former NBA superstar and described him as a trailblazer.

“I think he’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s kind done a lot in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not, but he’s shifted the way that NBA players dress,” Osaka said Saturday. “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.”

Osaka said the two had never communicated. That changed, at least publicly, Monday when Iverson posted a message to Osaka on his Instagram page: “Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you.”

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Will Naomi Osaka continue her unique fashion statements?

Naomi Osaka has consistently made fashion statements at tennis matches, using fashion as a way to tell stories and express different facets of her identity. She plans her outfits well in advance, requiring multiple fittings. She has stated that she wants her fashion choices to be fun and exciting for herself.

What impact does fashion have on sports culture?

Fashion is increasingly seen as a psychological tool that influences how people feel, carry themselves, and engage with the world, extending beyond mere aesthetics to encompass confidence, wellness, and comfort. In sports, athletes’ fashion choices can significantly influence trends and consumer demand, with fans eager to emulate their style.

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Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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