Naomi Osaka publicly calls out Australian Open opponent after heated argument at net
Naomi Osaka immediately called our Sorana Cirstea after the Romanian tried to start an argument at the end of their second-round match. The two-time former champion won 6-3 4-6 6-2, and as they approached the net for the handshake, Cirstea complained about Osaka's celebrations during the match.
The former world No. 1 wasn't amused with Cirstea's comments, took the opportunity to publicly hit back at her rival's claims during her on-court interview. "Apparently a lot of 'come-ons' that she was angry about, but whatever..." Osaka told the Margaret Court Arena crowd when asked how she got through.
Cirstea is set to retire this season. And when quizzed over their post-match confrontation, Osaka added: "I think this is her last Australian Open so, okay, sorry she's mad about it."
The No. 16 seed was also asked whether Cirstea wasn't happy with her attempts to pump herself up, and she replied: "I think so, but she if asked me... Ugh I don't know. Bro..."
While Cirstea has now played her final Australian Open, four-time Major winner Osaka is hoping to go on another deep run here after lifting the trophy in 2019 and again in 2021. The Japanese star will now face Aussie qualifier Maddison Inglis, who dug deep to beat Laura Siegemund 6-4 6-7(4) 7-6(7).
Osaka rediscovered her best form after hiring Polish coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, who previously worked with Iga Swiatek, last summer. The 28-year-old finished runner-up at the Canadian Open and then reached the US Open semi-finals - her best showing at a Major since she won the title here in 2021.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!
But Osaka's tennis hasn't been the talking point so far this week in Melbourne. As well as her post-match beef with Cirstea, the former world No. 1 also turned heads when she stepped onto Rod Laver Arena for her opening match on Tuesday.
She wore a wide-brimmed white hat and veil, and carried a matching umbrella. Osaka also had a long white skirt attached to her blue tennis dress. She later explained that the look was inspired by jellyfish and butterflies.
"This is definitely months in planning. Obviously you kind of have to I guess prep for this. You also have to, like, see the design, see if it works, see if you can walk. The scariest thing for me was I didn't know if the umbrella could fit in the tunnel. I did low-key like hit a couple of the little boards. I think it worked," she said.
The 16th seed wore a more low-key outfit onto the Margaret Court Arena on Thursday night, ditching the hat, veil and umbrella, wearing only the longer white skirt. But her fans took to the stands wearing some headgear of their own, inspired by Osaka's look.