Tennis fans witnessed something special Tuesday at Flushing Meadows. After Naomi Osaka cruised past Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1 to reach the third round of the US Open , the four-time Grand Slam champion introduced her latest companion with a name that perfectly captures her connection to the tournament’s legendary venue.
How Did Naomi Osaka Honor Arthur Ashe With Her Latest Labubu?
Osaka, considered one of the dark horses for the women’s singles title at Flushing Meadows, dazzled fans not only with her striking purple outfit but also with a brand-new addition to her growing Labubu collection.
“This is my day Labubu,” Osaka explained to reporters. “So we decided he’s a he and his name is Arthur Flash. So like Arthur Ashe, but Arthur Flash.”
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Osaka has now carried a Labubu doll during each of her first two matches at the 2025 US Open. The clever naming showcases her respect for the tournament’s history while maintaining her playful personality that fans have come to love.
During her on-court interview following a similarly easy win over Greet Minnen, Osaka showed off her shiny Labubu doll, named “Billie Jean Bling” in honor of tennis legend Billie Jean King, after whom a US Open stadium is named.
The tournament’s connection to these icons clearly resonates with Osaka. The US Open’s official account later shared the clip and tagged King, with the legend commenting, “Definitely need one of these.”
How Has Osaka’s Return to Form Shaped Her US Open Campaign?
The Japanese star has steadily found her way back to competitive tennis following lengthy breaks from the sport. Her journey back to the game hasn’t been straightforward, but recent results show genuine progress.
Osaka stepped away from tennis in the fall of 2022 after an opening-round loss at the US Open and a withdrawal at the Pan Pacific Open. The hiatus extended when she announced her pregnancy in January 2023, welcoming her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
Despite inconsistent results upon her return, Osaka has shown steady improvement while climbing back up the rankings. She peaked at the Canadian Open earlier this month, when she defied odds to reach the final, where she was defeated by Victoria Mboko.
Following her impressive run at the Canadian Open, Osaka climbed up the rankings chart and earned the No. 23 seed at the US Open. That seeding reflects both her current form and the potential that still makes her dangerous in any draw.
What Makes the Labubu Phenomenon So Special?
The Labubu dolls first originated in Hong Kong, and unlike their popular predecessors such as Hello Kitty and other plush characters, they are described as whimsical, elvish creatures. The concept came to life in a Nordic-inspired picture book created by artist Kasing Lung.
Following its release, the well-known toy company Pop Mart introduced the first collectible Labubu series in 2019. Since then, sales have soared worldwide as each new collection continues to capture fans’ attention across different demographics and interests.
Labubu belongs to a tribe called The Monsters, which also includes Zimomo, Mokoko, Tycoco, and others. Each character has its own quirky personality, but Labubu stands out as the most beloved member of the collection.
For Osaka, these dolls represent more than just collectibles. They’ve become part of her tennis identity, providing a lighthearted element that balances the intense pressure of professional competition at the sport’s biggest stages.
