As the US Open 2025 enters its second week, the tournament has already produced drama on and off the court. Rising stars have pushed through the early rounds, seeded favorites have been tested in marathon matches, and the night sessions at Arthur Ashe Stadium continue to deliver the mix of sport and spectacle that makes New York tennis unique. American fans have rallied behind Coco Gauff as she defends her title, while Naomi Osaka’s return has drawn global attention as she looks to re-establish herself at the top of the game.
Today, the two meet in a fourth-round clash that blends high-stakes tennis with high style. Their rivalry stretches back to Osaka’s victory over a 15-year-old Gauff here in 2019, and six years later both arrive with fresh momentum. Gauff carries the authority of a reigning champion and recent French Open winner, while Osaka brings the aura of a four-time major champion reshaping her comeback. But alongside the tennis, they have also dominated fashion headlines, from Gauff’s varsity-inspired New Balance looks to Osaka’s jeweled Nike kits and viral Labubu mascots.
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Coco Gauff: Prep Precision and Her Own Signature Sneakers
Coco Gauff arrived in New York with a clear identity anchored in her partnership with New Balance. Her kit this year centers on a cropped tank and pleated skirt in Monarch Burgundy and Urgent Red, a palette that references her 2023 title in Queens. The combination feels sharp, collegiate, and distinctly her own.
The walkout look, however, told an even bigger story. Gauff debuted a varsity-style leather jacket embroidered with the words she delivered after winning her first US Open: “To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you’re really adding gas to it. And now I’m really burning so bright right now.” It read less as a slogan and more as a personal reminder stitched permanently into her kit.
Her sneakers tie the entire presentation together. Gauff competes in the New Balance Coco CG2, a performance model bearing her name and released in “Urgent Red with Monarch Burgundy.” Priced at $160, the CG2 balances responsiveness with stability, tailored to her aggressive baseline game. For fans, the shoe also functions as a collectible – one of the few signature tennis shoes linked directly to a young female champion.
Gauff has explained that she plans her looks years in advance, from braids to manicures to kits. She frames her style choices as an extension of her confidence, not a distraction from her game. At this year’s US Open, every element, jacket, outfit, sneakers, connects into a complete expression of her place in the sport.
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Naomi Osaka: Crystals, Custom Nikes, and Labubu
Naomi Osaka returned to the US Open determined to leave an imprint as vivid as her forehand. Her first-round outfit delivered just that: an all-red Nike ensemble featuring a bubble-hem skirt and a cropped jacket set with Swarovski crystals. She finished the look with matching roses in her hair and crystal-detailed headphones, creating a full head-to-toe theme for the night session.
On her feet, Osaka wore the Nike GP Challenge 1 “Naomi Osaka”, a performance sneaker designed with her input. The model comes in US Open-inspired palettes including Picante Red and Bright Crimson, retailing for $170. Built with Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel, plus a midfoot plate for stability, the GP Challenge 1 merges function with the visual drama of her kit. Later in the tournament, Osaka switched to a vivid purple dress with crystal panels and a jacket in the same shade, pairing the look with a pale pink version of the GP Challenge 1 that featured her name in Japanese script.
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But the accessory that truly defined her return was a doll. Osaka carried a rhinestone-covered Labubu doll onto court, which she named “Billie Jean Bling” in honor of Billie Jean King. Days later, she introduced another version called “Arthur Flashe,” a playful nod to the stadium where she plays. Both dolls, fully customized to match her outfits, became viral symbols of her run. For Osaka, they acted as mascots – humorous, sparkly companions that also carried cultural weight.
Two Different Style Philosophies
Placed side by side, Gauff and Osaka reveal very different approaches. Gauff keeps her look rooted in prep references, motivational messages, and a sneaker that reflects her personal brand. Osaka embraces showmanship: crystal-studded apparel, footwear inscribed with her name, and Labubus that double as performance accessories and social media magnets.
Both approaches land powerfully. Gauff communicates continuity and authority through her New Balance partnership, while Osaka builds intrigue with Nike customs and unexpected extras.
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Today’s Meeting: Tennis and Style Aligned
On today’s schedule at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka meet in the fourth round, turning fashion attention into court-side drama. Gauff arrives after a commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Magdalena Fręch, showcasing improved serving and baseline rhythm. That result ended her third-round match in straight sets and underlined her status as the No. 3 seed and reigning champion. Osaka advanced by overcoming Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 in a match that marked her first advance to a Grand Slam fourth round since her 2021 Australian Open title – her first deep run since becoming a new mother. Gauff holds a 3–2 advantage over Osaka in WTA head-to-heads, though Osaka won their only previous US Open meeting in 2019.
