From ‘Andre Swagassi’ to ‘Billie Jean Bling’, meet Naomi Osaka’s Labubu crew

NEW YORK — Naomi Osaka has a lucky charm at this year’s US Open—actually, five of them and counting.

The former world No. 1 has gone viral for unveiling custom-made, tennis-themed Labubu figurines, each crystallized in rhinestones and given a hilarious tennis pun name. So far, Osaka has introduced Billie Jean Bling, Arthur Flashe, LaBillieBu, Althea Glitterson, and, after her quarterfinal win on Wednesday night, Andre Swaggassi.

“Honestly I’m not a Labubu collector!” Osaka told reporters in New York. “This is kind of like a one-time thing for the tournament. It kind of started as a joke, so I’m glad people are liking it.”

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Each sparkling figure takes about 13 hours to make and is crafted by NYC artist Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir Studio, who has also designed Osaka’s crystalized rose hairpieces and headphones, according to Yahoo! Life. Gold started with the red Billie Jean Bling and the purple Arthur Flashe to match Osaka’s flower-inspired Nike outfits. Now she’s hand-making new ones after each of Osaka’s wins.

(Fun fact: they’re not official Labubu toys. Gold uses 3-D printing and molds to create them from scratch, calling her originals “Lablingblings.”)

And a heads up to collectors: You can buy your own Lablingling—including Osaka’s custom pieces—for a limited time on A-Morir studio’s online shop, with prices ranging from $495-525.

Billie Jean Bling

Osaka’s first viral Labubu debuted after her opening-round win over Greet Minnen. “My favorite part (of the match?) I think my little Labubu,” Osaka said. “I was not expecting everyone to like Billie Jean Bling. I’m glad she made people laugh today.”

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Arthur Flashe

The purple Arthur Flashe followed Osaka’s second-round victory over Hailey Baptiste.

LaBillieBu

The third figurine was inspired by Billie Jean King, complete with her signature red glasses and a racquet.

Althea Glitterson

Osaka then honored Althea Gibson, the first Black player to compete at the US Nationals, on the 75th anniversary of her historic debut—a milestone also being celebrated at this year’s US Open.

Andre Swagassi

After her win over Karolina Muchova, Osaka revealed Andre Swaggassi, a nod to Andre Agassi’s iconic pink-and-black Nike kit and trademark headband.

Will there be another Labubu moment on Thursday? Osaka’s 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Muchova sent her into the semifinals at a Grand Slam for the first time since 2021, where she’ll face No. 3 seed Amanda Anisimova—and almost certainly bring along her glittering Labubu crew.