NEW YORK: Naomi Osaka’s last Labubu as the US Open was going to be Osaka herself.
For Osaka, that was the real bummer about losing one match short of the final.
“Oh, don’t make me cry, man,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said during her press conference early Friday morning after her 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova. “Oh my God, the most devastating question.”
Osaka had been toting a different version of the popular plush toy attached to her racket bag to each of her matches in Flushing Meadows. She gave them catchy names like Billie Jean Bling (for Billie Jean King), Althea Glitterson,” (a tribute to Althea Gibson ) and Arthur Flashe (as in Arthur Ashe, for whom the main US Open stadium is named.)
Had she been playing in Saturday’s final, Osaka said the Labubu would have been patterned after the green skirt she wore last year at the tournament she won in 2018 and 2020, which included a green bow over the white jacket she entered the court wearing.
“I would have had the bow, and I’m sick about it,” Osaka said. “Oh, 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.”
Labubu lament: Naomi Osaka says plush toy for the US Open final would’ve been Osaka herself
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Labubu lament: Naomi Osaka says plush toy for the US Open final would’ve been Osaka herself
- The four-time Grand Slam champion said during her press conference early Friday morning that was the worst part about losing to Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals
- Had she been playing in Saturday’s final, Osaka said the Labubu plush toy would have been patterned after the green skirt she wore last year
Dubai Basketball launches ‘Basket for Basket’ Ramadan initiative
- Project with Dubai Sports Council and UAE Food Bank takes place at EuroLeague match on Thursday
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball has announced a special Ramadan initiative for its upcoming EuroLeague home fixture against LDLC ASVEL on Thursday, Feb. 26.
In the spirit of giving that defines the holy month, the team will donate one meal for every point scored by the home team during the game. In addition, every ticket purchased for the game will equal one meal donated to families in need across the UAE.
Delivered in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Food Bank, the initiative reflects Dubai Basketball’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact beyond the court, the team stated in a release on Tuesday.
As Dubai’s first professional sports franchise competing in European competitions, the team wants to be a competitive force internationally and community-driven institution.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, CEO of Dubai Basketball, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Ramadan is a time of reflection, unity and generosity.
“As a team that proudly represents Dubai on an international stage, we believe our responsibility goes far beyond basketball. This city has given us an incredible platform, support system and belief, and it is our duty to give back in a way that reflects the values of the nation.”
“Through this initiative, every point scored, and every ticket purchased becomes something bigger than the game.
“Our ambition is not only to compete at the highest level in Europe but also to build a team that contributes to the community and supports the people who make the Dubai dream possible.”
