Naomi Osaka emulates NBA icon Iverson, to reach US Open 2nd round

Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts to a point against Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova (off frame) during the women’s singles first round tennis match on day two of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on August 31, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

Naomi Osaka channelled NBA fashion trailblazer Allen Iverson on Monday as she battled into the second round of the US Open.

The Japanese 13th seed, US Open champion in 2018 and 2020, was made to work hard by Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova before winning 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in just over two hours on the Arthur Ashe Stadium show court.

READ: Naomi Osaka’s US Open look channels Allen Iverson

Naomi Osaka turned to 🏀 for her US Open inspo 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/rHBeDgfTGl

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2026

As ever, Osaka’s entrance on court grabbed the headlines, with the 28-year-old walking out in a billowy custom-made gown which contained sewn-in news clippings detailing her career.

The four-time Grand Slam champion also had her hair braided in the style of former Philadelphia 76ers star Iverson, the NBA icon who is often credited with helping bring street culture and style to basketball.

Osaka had paid tribute to Iverson in her pre-tournament press conference last week, wearing a T-shirt depicting the NBA star as she spoke to reporters.

“For me he’s a trailblazer,” Osaka said. “He’s kind of like done a lot in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not, but he’s shifted the way that NBA players dress.

“I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like he’s someone that I look up to in that regard.”

READ: Naomi Osaka makes Wimbledon arrival in Kimono-inspired dress

Naomi Osaka holds on to win a roller coaster first set! 🎢 pic.twitter.com/rCu4L9YgCe

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2026

Osaka needed to emulate Iverson’s famously fierce competitiveness to finally subdue Zakharova.

She looked to be cruising to a routine first-round win after going 5-2 up in the opening set before Zakharova hit back to force a tiebreak.

Osaka recovered, though, to close out the set.

Another erratic second set from Osaka saw Zakharova recover from 5-3 down to level at 5-5, before holding for a 6-5 lead.

Osaka’s powerful service game proved the difference, though, and she held to love before overwhelming Zakharova in the tiebreak.