Naomi Osaka aced her 2026 U.S. Open look for the final Grand Slam of the season. The two-time U.S. Open champion wore a Nike tennis kit and custom Who Decides War walk-on ensemble for her first round match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Monday night in New York City, where she defeated Anastasia Zakharova of Russia.
“I guess, my tribute to [Allen] Iverson,” Osaka said when asked about the inspiration behind her on-court look. Iverson is a former basketball player who played shooting guard and point guard. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year and was an 11-time NBA All-Star during his career. “I really like him a lot. Nike said basketball so I said, ‘Okay, you want basketball? I’ll give you basketball.’”
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The Nike kit Osaka wore included a sleeveless black tank top with outlining in gray, including the Nike logo. The tennis skirt was crafted with a glossy fabric and the layer underneath was patterned with a white material that added dimension to the look. Osaka’s hair and use of a black Nike sweatband also referenced Iverson.
The greater draw to Osaka’s look, however, was her customized Who Decides War walk-on look, which was commissioned by stylist Law Roach. The ensemble included a tulle ballgown skirt and hoodie, with special references to Osaka’s career.
“Composed of several yards of tulle and heavyweight French terry, the gown is detailed with newspaper clippings and imagery representing both the accomplishments earned and the setbacks endured throughout Naomi’s path to this moment,” Téla D’Amore and Ev Bravado, cofounders of Who Decides War, said in a statement.
“The domed tulle silhouette also references a look by WDW’s late mentor, Virgil Abloh, from his fall 2020 collection reimagining Arcteryx windbreakers into explosive gowns. This was a piece that was controversial when it debuted, but remains one of our favorites he ever created,” the cofounders said.
“It felt important to nod to a hero of ours whose own path to success was similarly defined by a refusal to move within the expected current.”
The 2026 U.S. Open kicked off on Sunday and runs through Sept. 13. Aryna Sabalenka vies for a three-peat with another women’s singles championship title, while Carlos Alcaraz marks his return to the sport. American tennis stars like Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and more will compete in the final Grand Slam of the season.
