Naomi Osaka consistently excels at generating conversation at major tournaments through her fashion selections, and her latest appearance at the US Open is no exception. Paying tribute to NBA icon Allen Iverson, Osaka donned an all-black, basketball-inspired outfit during her opening-round clash with Anastasia Zakharova. However, the Japanese star faced sudden backlash over her attire, with critics urging her to concentrate on her performance on the court instead. Yet, before Osaka could even address the detractors herself, well-known tennis commentator James Gray stepped forward to defend her.
“I find it completely intriguing how deeply certain individuals in the tennis world are bothered by Naomi Osaka’s wardrobe,” he shared on X. “Whether you approve or not, she is not violating any regulations. Tennis and style have historically shared a very close relationship. (It serves to support the game.)”
Esteemed tennis writer Jon Wertheim also voiced his backing for Osaka. He remarked that it would look incredibly bizarre if opposing players competed in matching gear, expressing his desire to see more athletes wearing personalized outfits.
“It was merely a jest… We fully support style and self-expression through clothing,” a statement on X declared. “With players like Osaka, Fritz, Townsend, and others, we require more variety, not less… Looking for a real fashion disaster? Picture two opponents facing off while dressed in the exact same uniform.”
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Both Gray and Wertheim are highly respected figures in tennis media, celebrated for their expertise and thorough reporting of the game. That they felt compelled to advocate for Osaka highlights a broader conversation regarding personal expression on the court. Spectators have continuously questioned her wardrobe choices since her appearance in a jellyfish-themed dress at the Australian Open at the start of the year.
Nonetheless, it is clear that she remains unfazed by the detractors. Osaka persisted in pushing fashion boundaries, arriving at the French Open in a black and gold ensemble inspired by the Eiffel Tower, a choice that drew significant attention and debate.
Her campaign at Wimbledon followed a similar path, where the Japanese athlete displayed a sophisticated, completely white kimono. On Tuesday, Osaka made a grand entrance at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Her basketball-themed attire was concealed beneath a hooded white robe embellished with newspaper clippings of her landmark achievements. Her performance on the court matched her striking appearance, as she overcame Anastasia Zakharova with a 7-6, 7-6 victory in the opening round.
The encounter turned out to be a tightly fought battle, with neither competitor willing to surrender any ground. Osaka and Zakharova each secured four service breaks throughout the contest, leaving them deadlocked in both sets. Consequently, both periods required tiebreaks to determine a winner. The opening tiebreak was extremely close, with Osaka ultimately securing it by an 8-6 scoreline.
Having pushed her opponent to the brink, Zakharova’s defense faltered in the subsequent tiebreak, allowing the Japanese player to claim it 7-3 and progress to the next round. She is scheduled to face Katerina Siniakova next. Osaka currently leads their head-to-head matchup 2-1, having won their most recent clash 6-3, 6-2 during the Round of 64 at Wimbledon in 2025.
The article “She’s Not Breaking Any Rules”: Naomi Osaka Defended By Journalist After Criticism For US Open Outfit originally appeared on EssentiallySports. Follow EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
