Billie Jean Bling has been replaced by Arthur Flashe.
Naomi Osaka’s “Labubu” game remains strong at this year’s U.S. Open, debuting a second new plush toy accessory to her tennis bag as part of her look for Thursday’s second-round win over Hailey Baptiste.
“Honestly I’m not a Labubu collector. This is kind of like a one-time thing for the tournament,” Osaka said after the match. “Honestly, it kind of started as a joke, so I’m glad people are liking it.”
The two-time U.S. Open champion donned a purple tennis dress for Tuesday’s match, reminiscent of Serena Williams’ fit from 2019. She had gone with a bedazzled red outfit in the first round, replete with the corresponding Labubu accessory.
“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,” Osaka said Tuesday night. “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.”
During her on-court interview after Thursday’s win, Osaka added, “This is my day Labubu. We decided he’s a he. His name is Arthur Flashe. So like … Arthur Ashe … but Arthur Flashe.”
Stay tuned for Round 3.
Upset of the day
No. 9 men’s seed Karen Khachanov flushed a two-set cushion and was bounced in a fifth-set tiebreaker by world No. 78 Kamil Majchrzak of Poland. Khachanov was an Open semifinalist in 2022.
Quote of the day
“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.”
— Osaka on comments made by Jelena Ostapenko about Taylor Townsend.
