Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round of the 2026 US Open after beating Anastasia Zakharova in a close first round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The two time US Open champion also attracted attention with an Allen Iverson inspired outfit. Osaka entered the court wearing a long white skirt and a hooded robe covered with newspaper clippings about her.
Quick Fact
| Quick Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 US Open |
| Naomi Osaka | Defeated Anastasia Zakharova |
| Match Score | 7 6(6), 7 6(3) |
| Venue | Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York |
| Next Round | Second Round |
| Other Result | Ben Shelton also advanced |
| Major Farewell | Stan Wawrinka played his final Grand Slam match |
Naomi Osaka Wins in Two Tiebreaks
Osaka faced a strong challenge from Zakharova in her opening match. Neither player could create a clear advantage during the two sets.
The Japanese star stayed composed when the pressure increased. She won the first set tiebreak 8 6 before taking the second tiebreak 7 3.
The victory sent Osaka into the second round of the tournament.
Osaka Pays Tribute to Allen Iverson
Osaka’s entrance quickly became one of the talking points around her opening match.
She wore an all white outfit inspired by former NBA star Allen Iverson. The outfit included a long hooded robe with newspaper clippings about Osaka.
She also styled her hair in a way that reflected Iverson’s famous basketball look.
Osaka explained that the outfit was her tribute to Iverson. She said she admired him and wanted to bring basketball into her US Open appearance
American eighth seed Ben Shelton recovered from a poor start to defeat Tallon Griekspoor.
Griekspoor won the opening set 6 1. Shelton then changed the momentum and won the second set by the same score.
The third set went to a tiebreak. Shelton won it 7 3 before controlling the fourth set 6 2.
Shelton’s victory keeps his hopes alive of becoming the first American man to win the US Open since 2003. He will face Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.
Stan Wawrinka's Grand Slam Career Ends
Former US Open champion Stan Wawrinka played his final Grand Slam match in New York.
The 41 year old Swiss star lost to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 7 6(4), 7 6(3), 6 0.
Wawrinka plans to retire from professional tennis at the end of the season. His final appearance at the US Open brought an emotional farewell from fans in New York.
Wawrinka won the US Open title in 2016. He also captured major titles at the Australian Open and French Open during his career.
Osaka and Shelton Build US Open Momentum
Osaka’s victory gives her a positive start at a tournament where she has enjoyed major success.
Her win also adds another major storyline to the women’s singles draw. She will now look to build momentum in the second round.
Shelton’s comeback is also important for American tennis. His recent Canadian Open title has given him confidence heading into the US Open.
Osaka, Shelton Advance, Wawrinka Says Goodbye
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Osaka will prepare for her second round match after surviving two tight sets against Zakharova.
For Wawrinka, the singles journey is over. His remaining plans include completing the 2026 season before his expected retirement.
Her win, combined with her Allen Iverson inspired entrance, made her one of the major talking points of the tournament. Ben Shelton also advanced, while Stan Wawrinka ended his Grand Slam career in New York.
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