Why Naomi Osaka walked onto US Open court in gray hoodie and cornrows
Tennis star Naomi Osaka paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson at the US Open by wearing a fashion-forward outfit inspired by his iconic style. The gesture was acknowledged by Iverson, who expressed his appreciation for the homage.
Why it matters
The intersection of sports, fashion, and cultural influence highlights how modern athletes use their platform to honor historical figures and express personal identity.
NEW DELHI: Naomi Osaka made a bold statement at the 2026 US Open, combining tennis with basketball-inspired fashion as she stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for her first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova.She arrived wearing a long white skirt and a gray hooded robe covered with newspaper-style clippings. Underneath, she wore a black outfit, while her hair was styled in cornrows beneath a headband, a look strongly associated with NBA legend Allen Iverson during his Philadelphia 76ers days.The four-time Grand Slam champion explained that her outfit was a personal tribute to Iverson, whom she has long admired for influencing sports fashion.“It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot,” Osaka said after her 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) win.
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