Allen Iverson Praises Naomi Osaka's US Open Tribute After Her Straight-Sets Win
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 1
Allen Iverson Praises Naomi Osaka's US Open Tribute After Her Straight-Sets Win
3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Sep 1
Summary
Allen Iverson called Naomi Osaka's US Open homage "what a honor" on Instagram and said he was a "BIG FAN" who "can't wait to meet" her.
Osaka wore Iverson-inspired gear during warmups before beating Anastasia Zakharova in straight sets — a shooting sleeve, headband and elbow pad — and also sported his 1999 Slam Magazine cover on a T-shirt.
The two-time US Open champion said Iverson was a "trailblazer" whose impact on fashion and self-expression changed how NBA players dress.
Iverson's style long outlasted his playing days: his headband and sleeve were widely copied, and his influence was central to the NBA's stricter 2005 dress-code era.
Osaka advanced to the second round, where she will face Katerina Siniakova.