Osaka arrived at the Arthur Ashe Stadium for her first round US Open match against Anastasia Zakharova wearing a distinctive outfit inspired by NBA great Allen Iverson. The 4-time Grand Slam champion debuted a long white skirt paired with a hooded robe covered in newspaper clippings about herself, creating a striking visual impact before revealing a black outfit underneath. She completed the look with cornrows, a hairstyle famously worn by Iverson during his NBA career with the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers. This unique style choice emphasized Osaka's admiration for Iverson, which she had already shown by wearing a shirt featuring the NBA star at a media event ahead of the tournament.
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The fashion statement was more than a tribute; it set the tone for Osaka’s competitive mindset. She followed the dramatic entrance with a hard-fought win in straight sets over Zakharova, a match that lasted over two hours. The victory marked the start of her quest for a third US Open title, showcasing her resilience and dedication on court.
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