New York (AFP) – Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka made an impact again on Monday night in her debut at the United States Open with a kit in tribute to former NBA star Allen Iverson.
First modification: 09/01/2026 - 06:53
Osaka, winner of the New York Grand Slam in 2018 and 2020, defeated Russian Anastasia Zakharova in the first round 7-6 (8/6) and 7-6 (7/3) in a match that concluded after midnight.
The former world number one struggled against Zakharova, ranked 101st in the WTA, who had the opportunity to serve to win the first set and then dominated the tiebreak 4-3.
Osaka resolved the mess after two hours and two tiebreaks with a discreet tennis that did not live up to the spotlight she earned upon entering the court.
The 28-year-old Japanese woman lived up to her status as a fashion icon in tennis.
If in the past Wimbledon was presented with a dress inspired by a kimono, this time she emerged from the tunnel with a striking long hooded suit in light colors.
After the court draw, he took off part of his outfit to show off a dark basketball-style outfit, which included an elbow pad and a headband like the ones Iverson wore.
"I'm always nervous about my debut here because I want to do it well and I want to continue showing you more outfits," Osaka said after the victory, also with braids inspired by the former Philadelphia 76ers star, four-time leading scorer in the NBA.
"This is a tribute to Iverson. I like him a lot," he explained. "I love to express myself through clothes. I don't like to talk that much."
Osaka had already appeared at Saturday's press conference wearing a T-shirt with an image of Iverson, who is credited with helping bring street style to the NBA.
"For me he is a pioneer. He is also someone I admire a lot, because, in a way, he has contributed a lot to the world of fashion, whether on purpose or not, but he has changed the way NBA players dress," recalled Osaka, who said she had not communicated with the former player.
"Not at the moment, but I hope you see this," he responded with a smile.
"Wow, what an honor! I'm a BIG FAN and I can't wait to meet you," Iverson responded as soon as the game began on his Instagram account.
© 2026 AFP
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