Naomi Osaka responds to outfit backlash
Naomi Osaka responded to criticism of her 2026 US Open fashion after online comments targeted her walkout looks. The 28-year-old addressed the reaction on Threads on September 8 after her tournament exit.
Osaka said she does not mind criticism when trying something new and connected the reaction to earlier scrutiny over her public choices. Her response emphasized self-expression and making future paths easier for others.
Naomi Osaka channels Allen Iverson
Osaka opened the tournament in a custom Who Decides War gown styled by Law Roach. The look combined a distressed hooded top, white tulle, career newspaper clippings, cornrows, arm sleeves, and a matching headband.
The entrance honored basketball great Allen Iverson, whose style influenced Osaka’s concept. Nike also used basketball as a theme for its 2026 US Open player kits, giving her a clear starting point for the tribute.
Naomi Osaka wins first round
Osaka entered the tournament as the No. 13 seed and faced Anastasia Zakharova in the first round. She won both sets through tiebreaks inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 31.
The victory gave Osaka another chance to reveal prepared outfits. After the opener, she said she wanted to keep winning so spectators could see more looks during the tournament at Flushing Meadows.
Naomi Osaka switches to Thom Browne
Osaka switched to custom Thom Browne for her second-round match against Katerina Siniakova. The white entrance look featured a sheer double-collared jacket, tennis racket embroidery, a structured silhouette, and a flowing mesh layer.
Her playing kit kept the basketball theme in a silver colorway. The skirt used a wide mesh underlayer resembling a basketball net, while the outer garment added embroidered tennis rackets and tailored details.
Naomi Osaka advances past Siniakova
Osaka defeated Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 on September 3 to reach the third round. The victory advanced her to a meeting with Elise Mertens and kept her unbeaten through two matches.
That progression also allowed Osaka to continue the sequence of walkout looks prepared for New York. Law Roach styled the tournament wardrobe while multiple designers contributed distinct outfits for different rounds.
Naomi Osaka adds Monse for round three
Osaka wore a gray Monse look before facing Elise Mertens in the third round. The outfit combined tailored jacket elements with a Nike fleece hoodie and loose pants before she changed into her competition kit.
The third entrance featured relaxed tailoring rather than repeating her earlier gown. It became another distinct walkout look in Osaka’s four-match US Open wardrobe, which Law Roach styled across several designer collaborations.
Naomi Osaka advances despite Achilles issue
Osaka defeated Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 on September 5 despite managing a left Achilles problem. She required treatment during the deciding set and completed the match after two hours and 38 minutes.
That victory sent Osaka into the fourth round for the fifth time in 10 main-draw appearances at the US Open. She had already won the New York title twice, in 2018 and 2020.
Naomi Osaka closes with KidSuper look
Osaka saved her final 2026 US Open entrance for a colorful KidSuper coat designed by Colm Dillane. Law Roach styled the long garment for her fourth-round match against Elena Rybakina.
The outfit included a headband modeled after the NBA logo, but the familiar basketball silhouette was replaced by a tennis player holding a racket. Osaka said the completed look felt closely connected to New York.
Naomi Osaka exits against Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina ended Osaka’s tournament in the round of 16 on September 7. The No. 2 seed won 6-1, 6-4, sending Osaka out after three victories at Flushing Meadows that year.
Osaka finished the event with three wins and one loss and remained a four-time Grand Slam champion. Her run ended one round short of the quarterfinals after Rybakina won their fourth-round meeting.
Naomi Osaka answers online critics
Online criticism focused on Osaka’s elaborate entrances and whether fashion should receive so much attention during competition. Some comments argued that players should focus more visibly on tennis than clothing before matches.
Osaka answered the criticism on Threads after her tournament ended. She said she does not mind being first to try something and accepting negative reactions when her choices challenge familiar expectations around athlete style.
Fun fact: Naomi Osaka once joked that tennis is “kind of like my side hustle” while describing how much she enjoys exploring behind-the-scenes areas at the US Open.
Naomi Osaka explains her fashion approach
Osaka has described fashion as a form of personal expression and storytelling around tennis. Her 2026 US Open concepts drew on athletes, designers, New York culture, and clothing ideas she personally admired.
During the tournament, Osaka also kept her competitive goals clear. After her opening victory, she said she wanted to keep winning so spectators could see more prepared outfits in later rounds.
Naomi Osaka opening look came together fast
Who Decides War designers Téla D’Amore and Ev Bravado said they had roughly 30 hours to develop Osaka’s opening look after receiving reference images of Allen Iverson from Osaka and Law Roach.
The gown carried newspaper clippings about Osaka’s career and referenced a Fall 2020 Off-White dress designed by their late mentor, Virgil Abloh, whose work influenced the silhouette they chose for Osaka.
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Naomi Osaka blends tennis and fashion
Osaka worked with several labels across four matches, including Who Decides War, Thom Browne, Monse, and KidSuper. Law Roach styled the sequence while Nike supplied basketball-inspired competition kits beneath the walkout pieces.
The fashion run accompanied a fourth-round finish at the 2026 US Open. Osaka remains a two-time US Open champion, a former world No. 1, and a winner of four Grand Slam singles titles.
In other news, check out why Aryna Sabalenka went too far after losing the US Open final.
Which part of Naomi Osaka’s US Open style stood out more to you, the Allen Iverson tribute or the designer walkout looks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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