Top-tier tennis wasn’t the only thing on display at the US Open — Naomi Osaka’s blinged-out, bejeweled Labubu dolls also came to play.
The Japanese tennis player delighted crowds at the US Open in New York City this week by showing off her Labubu dolls, of which she has at least two.
But they’re not just any other Labubus — they’re sparkly, bejewelled, and holding tiny tennis rackets. Osaka, 27, also said she’s given the customized dolls names inspired by famous American tennis players.
“This is my Labubu, she’s named Billie Jean Bling,” Osaka told a reporter on August 26, holding back laughter. “Not Billie Jean King, Billie Jean Bling.”
Billie Jean King, 81, is an American tennis legend who won 39 Grand Slam titles.
Osaka’s Labubu was covered in red rhinestones from the tips of its pointy ears to its feet, and its racket was encrusted with deep blue rhinestones.
Osaka, meanwhile, arrived at the match in a sparkly red Nike dress with rhinestone-encrusted roses in her braided hair. She won the game against her Belgian opponent, Greet Minnen.
Then, on Thursday, when she faced the US’s Hailey Baptiste, she introduced her second Labubu to the crowd.
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“And then, this is my day Labubu,” Osaka, wearing a bejewelled purple Nike dress this time, said to a reporter.
“So we decided he’s a he, and his name is Arthur Flash, so like Arthur Ashe, but Arthur Flash,” she added, drawing cheers from the audience. Arthur Ashe was an American professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles.
The second Labubu, which was hanging from her bag, was encrusted with white, blue, and purple rhinestones.
Osaka isn’t the only celebrity who has publicly declared themselves a fan of the viral toy made by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart. Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and several K-pop stars like Blackpink’s Lisa and Seventeen’s Joshua have been seen with Labubus.
Representatives for Osaka did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
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