Billie Jean Bling has been replaced by Arthur Flashe.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.
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.
“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.