Naomi Osaka advanced to the second round at the US Open in New York after defeating Greet Minnen of Belgium in the opening match. The spotlight, however, wasn’t solely on the scoreboard but on Osaka’s playful accessory: a Labubu plush perched on her bag, quickly taking over social media.
The Labubu, a small stuffed character with pointy teeth and flushed cheeks, has taken the tennis season by storm. Osaka introduced her Labubu as Billie Jean Bling — a nod to the tennis legend Billie Jean King who was in attendance — and made the moment memorable by explaining the nickname, not Billie Jean King, Billie Jean Bling. The plush on Osaka’s bag came complete with a sparkling crown and even a custom blue tennis racket, turning the bag into a mini fashion statement on Louis Armstrong Stadium’s court.
Osaka also made a visual statement with her all-red Nike outfit, pairing the look with a long braided hairpiece adorned with rose buds and rose details atop her braided bun. The Labubu image complemented her ensemble, which included a red bubble skirt designed to pop under the arena lights.
Osaka’s style isn’t new to the Grand Slams. In 2025 she has leaned into floral-inspired Nike gear at major events, including a sunflower-themed look at the Australian Open and cherry blossoms at Roland Garros, underscoring her reputation for fashion-forward court appearances that often generate social media buzz just as much as her on-court performance.
In brief, Osaka’s first-round win was highlighted by a memorable Labubu moment and a bold red look that reinforced her status as one of tennis’ top trendsetters, while keeping focus on the game itself as she presses through the US Open.
What this adds up to
– A fresh, fan-friendly moment that blends sport and pop culture.
– Continued branding power for Osaka through distinctive, sharable outfits and accessories.
– Momentum for Osaka as she heads into the next rounds of the tournament.
Editor’s note: The piece emphasizes the visual and cultural moments around Osaka’s match and outfit, keeping the focus on the event and its broader appeal.
Summary
Naomi Osaka won her first-round US Open match in New York while turning heads with a red Nike look and a Labubu plush on her bag, named Billie Jean Bling, capturing social media attention and continuing her trendsetting run at Grand Slams. A standout moment was Billie Jean King’s attendance and Osaka’s playful tribute that kept the spotlight on both style and sport.
Positive takeaway
Osaka’s blend of fashion and performance highlights how athletes can leverage personality and branding to enhance the spectator experience while continuing to compete at the highest level.