Naomi Osaka's Labubu crew is finally complete! The four-time Grand Slam champion debuted the sixth and final member of her viral US Open Labubu collection on social media over the weekend, and it did not disappoint.
The former world No. 1 became a viral sensation in New York this summer not just with her resurgent play on the courtâshe reached her first Grand Slam semifinal in four years before losing in three sets to Amanda Anisimovaâbut for the collection of custom zoomorphic monster dolls she accessorized with.
Read more: From âAndre Swagassiâ to âBillie Jean Blingâ, meet Naomi Osakaâs Labubu crew
Osaka leaned into the existing Labubu trend by commissioning New York City-based artist Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir Studio with designing bedazzled keychain versions, inspired tennis legends like Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe and Andre Agassi. She revealed them (and their punny names) after each win at the US Open, with her sparkly friends generating just as much buzz as her play.
And after losing a tense three-setter to Anisimova from a set ahead, Osaka joked she lost out on more than one opportunity: The one she was hoping to call "Naomi Glowsaka" was staying home.
âI wanted to make one of myself in last yearâs outfit, and it was the green one. I would have had the bow, and I'm sick about it,â she revealed through laughter. âOh, my God, that's, like, the worst thing. Honestly, I'm fine losing, but don't ask me about this Labubu, man. Yeah, it would have been me.â
But on Sunday, Osaka revealed that what-would've-been is now reality.