Naomi Osaka opened her US Open campaign with a straight-sets win and a statement look that paid homage to NBA great Allen Iverson. The tribute did not go unnoticed by “The Answer” himself.
A gray hoodie, cornrows, and a tribute to ‘The Answer’
Osaka walked out at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York wearing a gray hoodie with her hair in cornrows, a look that echoed Iverson’s trademark style. The fit featured a custom Who Decides War all-white gown printed with news clippings from her career highlights, plus a headband, a sweatband on one arm and a sleeve on the other, with black and red accents matching the Philadelphia 76ers.
“It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot,” Osaka said after the match.
Winning while making a statement
The tribute debuted for Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova of Russia on Monday night, and she won in straight sets, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3), keeping her on track as she chases a third US Open title. The look was pulled together in about 30 hours by her team after stylist Law Roach sent over two images of Iverson in a headband.
A.I. noticed
The homage reached its subject. Iverson reposted Osaka’s tribute on Instagram with the caption, “Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you.”
The US Open has been a fashion showcase all week, with Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz among the stars making early statements in New York.
