Naomi Osaka is popular for her eye-catching outfits at major tennis tournaments, and her latest look impressed NBA royalty, Allen Iverson. She came to the court in braids, wearing a headband and a shooting sleeve, looking like a young Iverson. She even shared high praise for AI in her media session, garnering a response from the legend himself.
Talking to the press about the inspiration behind her outfit and AI’s impact on fashion, Osaka said:
“I think he’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s kind of 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.”
“I think he’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s kind of 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.”
The media person also asked if she’d had an opportunity to talk to Iverson, to which she responded, “zero, right now.” However, the 11-time NBA All-Star eventually noticed the tribute and was touched, and thanked the tennis sensation with a post on Instagram:
“Wow, what a[n] honor! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you. @naomiosaka”
“Wow, what a[n] honor! BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you. @naomiosaka”
Iverson had a huge impact on NBA fashion, bringing hip-hop and street culture to the league. His freestyle-type gameplay also brought a new flavor to the game, and fans showed a lot of love.
Naomi Osaka won her first-round encounter with Anastasia Zakharova, 7-6(8), 7-6(7), at the 2026 US Open. After the win, she talked about her outfit and how she loved to bring something new every time she took to the court.
“It’s my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot… Nike said basketball, so I said, okay, you want basketball, I’ll do basketball… I love expressing myself through clothes. I don’t like talking that much.”
“It’s my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot… Nike said basketball, so I said, okay, you want basketball, I’ll do basketball… I love expressing myself through clothes. I don’t like talking that much.”
Though he didn’t win any NBA championships in his career, AI is a legend of the game and one of the most talented point guards the league has ever seen. Osaka’s tribute proves his impact transcended boundaries and connected with people globally.
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