Naomi Osaka Shines with New Plush Toy at the U.S. Open

Naomi Osaka is making waves at this year’s U.S. Open, not just for her impressive performance on the court but also for her whimsical new accessory.

The Return of “Labubu”

In a fun twist, Osaka debuted her second plush toy, affectionately named Arthur Flashe, during her recent second-round match against Hailey Baptiste. After securing her victory, Osaka humorously acknowledged her quirky collection: "Honestly, I’m not a Labubu collector. This is kind of like a one-time thing for the tournament."

A Stylish Statement

Osaka showcased both style and nostalgia with her outfits during the tournament:

• First-round: A bedazzled red attire paired with the original Labubu plush.
• Second round: A striking purple dress reminiscent of Serena Williams‘s iconic look from 2019.

Reflecting on her match, Osaka shared, "I wish I thought more about the process rather than the result, but I’m glad I was able to win. My favorite part (laughing), I think, was my little Labubu. I was not expecting everyone to like Billie Jean Bling. I’m glad she made people laugh today."

Arthur Flashe: The New Addition

During her on-court interview following her win, Osaka described her new Labubu: "This is my day Labubu. We decided he’s a he. His name is Arthur Flashe. So like … Arthur Ashe … but Arthur Flashe." The playful name pays homage to the legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe, reflecting Osaka’s appreciation of tennis history.

Upset of the Day

In other match results, the day saw a major upset as No. 9 seed Karen Khachanov squandered a two-set lead and was ultimately eliminated in a gripping fifth-set tiebreaker against world No. 78 Kamil Majchrzak of Poland. Khachanov, a semifinalist in the previous year, will reflect on this unexpected turn of events.

Quote of the Day

Osaka did not shy away from addressing serious topics off the court. Commenting on Jelena Ostapenko’s remarks about Taylor Townsend, she stated:

“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.”

Looking Ahead

As Naomi Osaka gears up for Round 3 at the U.S. Open, fans eagerly await both her on-court performance and her charming accessories. Keep an eye on her next match and the playful antics that come along with it!

For more insights into the U.S. Open and the latest in tennis, stay tuned for updates on U.S. Open coverage and highlights.