Tennis sensation Naomi Osaka graced the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium with Allen Iverson vibes for her 2026 US Open opener against Anastasia Zakharova of Russia. Her Iverson-inspired look drew plenty of reactions from the sports world.
While several Iverson supporters grabbed the opportunity to roast Osaka, others were impressed by how she drew inspiration from the NBA Hall of Famer.
Naomi Osaka’s Iverson-Inspired Look Gets Mixed Reactions From the Sports World
Osaka entered the court wearing a gray hooded robe paired with a long white skirt. With cornrows tucked beneath a headband, the two-time US Open champion brought some serious Iverson flair to the stadium.
It was a clear nod to Iverson’s signature look during his MVP era with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Naomi Osaka’s Allen Iverson look for the 2026 US Open 👀 pic.twitter.com/h1aEFhCSJv
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) September 1, 2026
Her look was in sync with her apparel sponsor, Nike, which is focusing its collection for the U.S. Open around basketball.
Osaka seems to be a huge fan of Iverson’s fashion sense. Talking to the media following her 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) victory, she shared more context about her look and gave credit to the NBA great.
“It’s my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot. Nike said ‘basketball.’ So I said, OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball,” Osaka shared.
While Osaka’s look drew huge cheers from the crowd in the stadium, the sports world at large was divided.
“She is the definition of cringe,” one Iverson loyalist scoffed.
She is the definition of cringe .
— Daniel Van Scher (@scher_van) September 1, 2026
“Cheap copy of Iverson,” another piled on.
Cheap copy of Iverson pic.twitter.com/RDjmn5DEj3
— Ashok 🇮🇳 🚩🏹 (@fotocafebyashok) September 1, 2026
“Dumb. Over the top ridiculous. Stop,” a third Iverson fan suggested.
“In no world is this fashion. But I see where it draws attention 😳,” another X user declared, taking a dig at Osaka’s look.
Iverson ranks among the NBA elite. He is an 11-time NBA All-Star and the 2001 MVP. Putting his stellar career into perspective, one X user reasoned, “You have to win the entire tournament to pull this look off.”
You have to win the entire tournament to pull this look off.
— Justin Trimble (@justintrimble) September 1, 2026
However, not everyone was dismissive of Osaka’s Iverson-inspired look.
“Wow. Runway moment for Naomi,” one sports fan complimented.
Wow. Runway moment for Naomi.
— AAsarwar (@aasarwar7862) September 1, 2026
“What an entrance,” another marveled at the flair and energy the four-time Grand Slam champion brought to the court.
“Osaka pulling up looking like she about to drop 40 and still talk her [expletive] after. The braids, the vest, the whole damn entrance. Iverson would be proud,” another X user declared.
Osaka pulling up looking like she about to drop 40 and still talk her shit after. The braids, the vest, the whole damn entrance. Iverson would be proud.
— 🏀SixersCageEdge🥊 (@GraceRepublik) September 1, 2026
Iverson has indeed been appreciative of Osaka’s admiration for him. Osaka called Iverson a trailblazer and praised his impact on NBA fashion during a press conference before her Round 1 game.
Following her remarks, the 76ers legend replied, “Wow, what an honor!! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you.”
Osaka will now hit the court against former U.S. Open Grand Slam doubles champion Kateřina Siniaková in Round 2.
