Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Naomi Osaka Honors Allen Iverson With US Open Victory Look
Naomi Osaka is a famous tennis player from Japan.
Before her first US Open match, she wore clothes inspired by basketball star Allen Iverson.
Her look included a gray oversized top, a long white skirt, and hair styled like Iverson’s.
One article described the top as a robe with newspaper-style designs, while another called it a sleeveless hoodie.
Osaka said Iverson inspired her because he showed athletes could express themselves through fashion.
She had never spoken with Iverson before the match.
After seeing her tribute, Iverson sent her a kind message online.
Osaka then won her match against Anastasia Zakharova in two close tiebreak sets.
She moved on to the second round.
Naomi Osaka paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson before her US Open first-round match.
Her outfit included an oversized gray hooded top or robe, a long white skirt, and basketball-inspired accessories.
Osaka wore braided or cornrowed hair beneath a headband, reflecting Iverson’s signature style.
She defeated Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) to reach the second round.
Iverson praised Osaka’s tribute on Instagram and said he hoped to meet her.
- Who
- Naomi Osaka, Allen Iverson, and Anastasia Zakharova.
- What
- Osaka paid tribute to Iverson with her US Open entrance outfit and defeated Zakharova in the first round.
- When
- Monday, August 31, 2026.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open.
- Why
- Osaka said she admired Iverson’s basketball career and his influence on athlete fashion and self-expression.
- Match result
- Naomi Osaka defeated Anastasia Zakharova 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3).
- Tournament stage
- US Open 2026 first round
- Tribute subject
- Allen Iverson
- Inspired details
- Braided or cornrowed hair, a headband, and athletic elbow sleeves
- Reported clothing
- A gray oversized hooded top or robe and a long white skirt
- Fashion collaborators
- Who Decides War and stylist Law Roach were credited for the look in one report.
- Iverson’s response
- He wrote on Instagram, “Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can't wait to meet you.”
