Naomi Osaka brings steel, style of NBA icon Iverson to reach US Open second round
Four-time grand slam champion makes another fashion statement before defeating unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets
Naomi Osaka unveiled another bold grand slam walk-on outfit at the US Open on Monday before the two-time champion battled to a 7-6, 7-6 victory over unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova to reach the second round.
Osaka has been the fashion highlight of this year’s majors and entered Arthur Ashe Stadium in a hooded tunic featuring patchwork-style panels adorned with press clippings from past tournament appearances and a billowing white tulle train.
At Wimbledon, she paid tribute to her Japanese heritage with a kimono-inspired ensemble featuring a traditional kanzashi hair ornament before changing into a white Nike playing kit.
At Roland Garros, she arrived in a black Kevin Germanier skirt and competed in a layered yellow, brown and gold outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s nighttime sparkle.
Her look at the Australian Open took its cues from a jellyfish.
Competing at Flushing Meadows in an Allen Iverson-inspired outfit, the four-time grand slam champion looked set for a straightforward victory after racing into a 4-1 lead, only for world No 101 Zakharova to force a tiebreak.