Naomi Osaka opened her 2026 US Open run with a full Allen Iverson tribute. She walked out in cornrows, a headband, and arm sleeves. It was a direct nod to Iverson's signature look from his Sixers years.
Osaka's entrance piece was a gray, frayed hooded gown covered in newspaper clippings from her own career. Underneath, she wore a black tank top and skirt for the actual match. The custom look came from designers Tela D'Amore and Ev Bravado of Who Decides War.
She beat Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets to reach round 2. Osaka called the outfit her personal tribute to Iverson afterward. She said Nike pushed a basketball theme for this year's collection, and she ran with it.
Iverson wasn't just a random pick either. Osaka wore a shirt with his image on it before the tournament even started. She's called him a trailblazer who reshaped how NBA players approach style entirely.
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Iverson's influence on fashion has always stretched way past basketball. His cornrows, headbands, and baggy fits helped define an entire era of style. Also that crossover into hip-hop and streetwear culture never really faded. Iverson is still one of the most influential NBA players of all time, and he hasn't been in the NBA for 16 years.
Osaka's tribute leaned into that legacy instead of copying his uniform outright. The hooded gown nodded to his off-court sweats more than his jersey. It's the kind of reference that lands with anyone who grew up watching him.
Iverson noticed too. He posted about Osaka's outfit on Instagram not long after her match ended. He called it an honor and said he can't wait to meet her.
Osaka's Grand Slam entrances have become their own kind of tradition lately. She's referenced her family, her Japanese heritage, and now the NBA. Each one comes with a story attached, and this one clearly connected.
