Naomi Osaka Beats Zakharova in Two Tiebreaks at US Open

Naomi Osaka opened her US Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Anastasia Zakharova, winning 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-3) on Arthur Ashe Stadium. BBC Sport reported that the four-time major champion needed two tie-breaks to defeat the Russian world number 101 during Monday's night session in New York.

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The 13th-seeded Osaka began sharply, breaking serve for a 2-0 advantage and later moving 5-2 ahead in the opening set. Zakharova recovered to force a tie-break, then responded again after falling an early break behind in the second set. Osaka established a 5-1 lead in the second tie-break and completed the win shortly before 12:30 a.m. local time.

The match also featured Osaka's latest Grand Slam fashion project. She entered the stadium in a hooded white gown with a long tulle train and newspaper headlines about moments from her career incorporated into the design. Under the gown, she wore a black basketball-inspired playing outfit, paired with red-and-black accessories.

After the match, Osaka credited former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson as the inspiration for the on-court look. She described the NBA great as a trailblazer whose influence changed how basketball players dressed and helped expand the conversation about athletes expressing themselves through clothing. Osaka wore a headband and elbow sleeves that echoed elements associated with Iverson's playing style.

The presentation continued a run of distinctive outfits for Osaka at major tournaments. Her appearances this season have included an ocean-themed design at the Australian Open, a gold ensemble influenced by the Eiffel Tower at the French Open and a white Japanese kimono at Wimbledon. She has also previously used bows as a central feature of a US Open outfit.

Osaka, the US Open champion in 2018 and 2020, advances to face Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the second round. The former world number one indicated that another outfit is planned if she continues in the tournament, but the immediate sporting result was a difficult two-set win in which her serve helped her close both tie-breaks.