Naomi Osaka brought some NBA flavor to the U.S. Open, paying tribute to Allen Iverson with a look inspired by one of basketballs biggest cultural icons.Osaka arrived for her first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova sporting cornrows, a headband and arm sleeves, immediately drawing comparisons to the longtime Philadelphia 76ers star. She completed the entrance with a long hooded gown featuring newspaper clippings about her before revealing her match outfit underneath.The four-time Grand Slam champion explained that Nike had chosen basketball as the theme for her U.S. Open collection, and she knew exactly where she wanted to take it.Its my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot, Osaka said during her on-court interview. I mean, Nike said basketball, so I said, OK, you want basketball, Ill give you basketball.'Osaka backed up the statement look on the court, defeating Zakharova 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) to advance to the second round.Her Iverson tribute actually began before the tournament. During her media day press conference, Osaka wore a shirt featuring Iversons famous 1999 Slam magazine cover and explained why his impact goes well beyond basketball.For me, hes a trailblazer, Osaka said. Hes also someone that I look up to a lot, because hes done a lot in fashion, whether its on purpose or not, but hes shifted the way that NBA players dress. And I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports, and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like hes someone that I look up to in that regard.Iverson became one of the NBAs biggest style influences during his playing career, with his cornrows, tattoos, jewelry and streetwear helping change how players expressed themselves away from the court, according to Los Angeles Times reporter Chuck Schilken.Osaka admitted she had never actually communicated with Iverson but hoped he would see the tribute.He did.Iverson responded on Instagram after seeing Osaka wearing his shirt and discussing his influence.Wow, what a honor!! Iverson wrote. BIG FAN cant wait to meet you. @naomiosakaREAD MORE: Stephen Curry Makes His Warriors Future Clear Amid Rumors
