A newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statement

Osaka's performance on the court in Monday's night session was less stylish, however.The Japanese 13th seed, who won the Flushing Meadows title in 2018 and 2020, faltered after a strong start and ultimately needed to dig deep to see off Zakharova.Osaka broke at the first opportunity to take a 2-0 lead in the opener and although she was unable to convert another chance to go 4-0 ahead, still looked comfortable when she moved 5-2 up.However, Zakharova showed heart as she rallied to take the opener into a tie-break and fought back from another early break down in the second.Osaka's superb serve came to the fore as she opened up a commanding 5-1 lead in the second tie-break, going on to complete victory just before 00:30 local time and avoiding the need for a deciding set.The former world number one will face the Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova in the second round - and promised her fans there will be another sartorial surprise."I wanted to play well because I wanted to show you guys some more outfits," she said."I love expressing myself through clothes - because I don't like talking too much."Image gallerySkip image galleryImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Naomi Osaka wore a lime green and white outfit decorated with bows, including a large one on her back, at the 2024 US OpenSlide 1 of 4, Naomi Osaka at the 2024 US Open , Naomi Osaka wore a lime green and white outfit decorated with bows, including a large one on her back, at the 2024 US Open