{
  "id": 4791536,
  "title": "Osaka brings style and steel for winning start to U.S. Open",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/osaka-brings-style-and-steel-for-winning-start-to-u-s-open",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-01T05:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/09/01/tennis/osaka-us-open-start/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NEW YORK – In a striking fashion debut at the U.S. Open, two-time champion Naomi Osaka dazzled on Monday before clinching a hard-fought victory over unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova. The 13th seed, who claimed the Flushing Meadows title in 2018 and 2020, arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing a hooded tunic with a unique patchwork design, showcasing press clippings from past events and a flowing white tulle skirt.\n\nOsaka's fashion choices have become a major talking point across the major tennis tournaments this year, with each outfit reflecting a distinct cultural or personal inspiration. At Wimbledon, she opted for a kimono-inspired ensemble featuring a kanzashi hair ornament, while Roland Garros saw her in an outfit inspired by the Eiffel Tower's nighttime sparkle. Her Australian Open look was a jellyfish-themed creation, and at Flushing Meadows, she wore an Allen Iverson-inspired ensemble.\n\nThe four-time Grand Slam champion quickly took control of the match, leading 4-1, only for Zakharova to force a tiebreak. Osaka emerged victorious in the tiebreak, demonstrating her resilience and determination throughout the encounter. \"It’s my tribute to Iverson,\" she explained, expressing her admiration for the NBA Hall of Famer. \"I really like him a lot.\"\n\nAfter the match, Osaka acknowledged the grueling nature of her performance, crediting her fans for their support. \"I would say it took everything (to win),\" she admitted. \"I have no idea what time it is. Thanks for staying. I’m grateful to be able to play on this court again.\"\n\nOsaka will next face Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova in the second round, eager to continue her winning start and showcase even more innovative outfits on the court.",
  "summary": "Naomi Osaka unveiled another bold Grand Slam walk-on outfit before battling to a victory over unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova.",
  "key_points": [
    "Naomi Osaka makes striking fashion debut at U.S. Open",
    "13th seed wins hard-fought match against unseeded Zakharova",
    "Osaka's outfit pays tribute to NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Naomi Osaka's bold fashion statements and resilient gameplay signal her readiness to make a strong run at the U.S. Open, with her style and determination drawing attention and admiration.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Osaka pays tribute to NBA great as she brings style and steel to US Open",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/osaka-pays-tribute-to-nba-great-as-she-brings-style-and-steel-to-us",
        "published": "2026-09-01T06:02:16.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "A newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/a-newspaper-gown-and-an-nba-tribute-osakas-us-open-fashion-statement",
        "published": "2026-09-01T06:27:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}