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Naomi Osaka Channels Allen Iverson Style in Hard-Fought US Open Win

Posted : 01 September 2026

Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round of the US Open after overcoming Anastasia Zakharova in a tightly contested opening-round match on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Japanese 13th seed prevailed 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/3) in just over two hours.

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former US Open winner in 2018 and 2020, attracted plenty of attention before the match with a striking custom-made gown featuring newspaper clippings highlighting moments from her career.

Her tribute to former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson continued with her hairstyle, which was inspired by the NBA icon. Osaka has previously praised Iverson for influencing basketball fashion and encouraging athletes to express themselves through their style.

On court, Osaka had to fight for her victory. She led 5-2 in the first set before Zakharova fought back to force a tiebreak, but the Japanese star held her nerve to take the opener.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Osaka surrendering a 5-3 advantage as Zakharova levelled at 5-5 and moved ahead 6-5. Osaka responded by holding serve to love before dominating the deciding tiebreak to secure her place in the next round.

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