Naomi Osaka channels basketball icon Allen Iverson through her US Open walk-on style and then wins her opening match to reach the second round. Multiple outlets describe her outfit and hairstyle as an Iverson tribute, including a gray hoodie and cornrows.
Sources also note that Osaka makes the reference explicit. She speaks about Iverson as an inspiration/trailblazer, and at least one report says Iverson publicly responded to the look. The Independent and Times of India focus on the on-court result, saying Osaka beats Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets. Other outlets add match detail, including that her serve reaches 122 mph.
While the coverage is consistent on the Iverson theme and the straight-sets victory, outlets vary in emphasis: some foreground the fashion and Iverson’s influence on her entrance, while others lead with the performance and the advancement to the second round. The next-round opponent is named by Times of India as Katerina Siniakova.
