Naomi Osaka Receives Special Reply From Allen Iverson After Viral US Open Tribute

Former NBA star Allen Iverson recently gave a special reply to Naomi Osaka's tribute to him at the U.S. Open.

Osaka opened her U.S. Open campaign on Monday with a 7-6(6), 7-6(3) win over Anastasia Zakharova. During the match, she paid tribute to Iverson by wearing a custom walkout outfit inspired by his iconic style. It featured his signature headband, cornrows, an arm sleeve and a frayed gray hoodie with newspaper clippings representing moments from her career.

She continued the tribute at her postmatch news conference, wearing an Iverson Slam Magazine cover T-shirt. Osaka also spoke about her admiration for the Basketball Hall of Famer.

"For me, he's a trailblazer. I think he's also someone that I look up to a lot, because he's kind of, like, done a lot in fashion, whether it's on purpose or not, but he's shifted the way that NBA players dress. I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like he's someone that I look up to in that regard."

Osaka added that she had not had the opportunity to speak with Iverson but hoped he would see the interview. Her comments caught Iverson's attention, as he shared clips from the press conference on Instagram and responded:

" Wow, what a honor!! BIG FAN can't wait to meet you. @naomiosaka."

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the U.S. Open mixed doubles event due to scheduling issues. She was initially scheduled to partner with fellow Japanese player Kei Nishikori.

Naomi Osaka opened up about her outfit at the US Open first round

After defeating Anastasia Zakharova, Naomi Osaka spoke to the media during her on-court interview about her first-round win and joked that she wanted to give fans a chance to see more of her outfits as she progressed through the tournament. She then explained the inspiration behind her opening-round look.

"I just get really nervous during this the first round of this tournament because I want to do well and I want to show you guys some more outfits. So, hopefully, just hopefully I can keep playing some more matches in front of you guys," Osaka said.

"It's, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot. I mean Nike said basketball. So, I said, 'OK, you want basketball? I'll give you basketball.' I love expressing myself through clothes. I don't like talking that much, I tell people. So, I'm glad you guys appreciate it, and I'll see you guys in the next round."

Naomi Osaka will face Katerina Siniakova in the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis , college football , men's college basketball , women's college basketball , and college baseball!