UPDATE: Naomi Osaka’s distinctive style continues to captivate audiences at the 2023 U.S. Open, as she secures a spot in the third round following her second-round victory against Hailey Baptiste. The match took place on September 7, where Osaka debuted yet another plush toy accessory, named Arthur Flashe, adding a playful flair to her competitive spirit.
Osaka, a two-time U.S. Open champion, showcased a stunning purple tennis dress reminiscent of Serena Williams’ iconic look in 2019. Speaking after her match, she expressed her surprise at the enthusiastic reception of her accessories, stating, “
Honestly, I’m not a Labubu collector. This is kind of like a one-time thing for the tournament,”
she said.
In her previous match, Osaka sported a dazzling red outfit paired with a Labubu accessory, which she humorously referred to as “Billie Jean Bling.” Reflecting on her performance, Osaka highlighted her focus on winning, saying, “I really wanted to win. I wish I thought more about, like, the process rather than the result, but I’m glad I was able to win.”
Her on-court personality shone through as she explained the quirky backstory of Arthur Flashe, stating, “
This is my day Labubu. We decided he’s a he. His name is Arthur Flashe. So like … Arthur Ashe … but Arthur Flashe.”
Osaka’s win comes amidst surprising turns in the tournament, including the shocking exit of No. 9 seed Karen Khachanov, who lost to world No. 78 Kamil Majchrzak in a tense fifth-set tiebreaker after leading by two sets. Khachanov, a semifinalist in 2022, faced an unexpected end to his campaign.
In addition to her playful spirit, Osaka addressed serious issues affecting the sport. She commented on recent remarks made by Jelena Ostapenko about Taylor Townsend, stating, “
I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport. And granted, I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked and I know how smart she is, so she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that.
”
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Osaka as she prepares for her next match in Round 3. The excitement builds around her unique style and competitive edge, making her a player to watch in the 2023 U.S. Open. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds!
