Naomi Osaka has defended her striking on-court outfits at the US Open, saying any backlash is "worth it" if it makes things easier for players who come after her. The four-time Grand Slam champion is known for bold, statement fashion choices on court, and her comments draw a direct comparison between the criticism she faces over her clothing and the reaction she received in 2021 when she spoke openly about her mental health struggles.

At this year's US Open, Osaka wore a hooded white gown over an all-black basketball-style kit for her first-round win over Anastasia Zakharova, styling her hair with braids and a headband as a tribute to former NBA player Allen Iverson, whom she called a fashion "trailblazer". She later wore a decorated coat at the start of her last-16 defeat by Elena Rybakina. In a social media post, the 28-year-old, who has Haitian-American and Japanese heritage, said being "trashed" for trying new things was "in my blood", adding that she doesn't mind being first if it paves an easier path for others.