OSAKA EDGES CIRSTEA AMID TENSION DOWN UNDER

Naomi Osaka’s 2026 Australian Open campaign took an unexpected turn this week, not just because of her tense three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea, but due to an awkward moment at the net that’s got the tennis world talking.

After prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in their second-round clash at Margaret Court Arena, the usually reserved four-time Grand Slam champion found herself in the spotlight for more than just her performance.

What should’ve been a routine post-match handshake turned icy when Cirstea, who’s playing her final Australian Open before retirement, barely made eye contact and gave Osaka a brief, frosty clasp of the hands before turning away.

Cameras caught a short exchange of words between the two at the net, with Osaka plainly asking, “What was that for?” as the crowd looked on.

The source of the tension, it seems, was Osaka’s spirited vocalisations during the match. The Japanese star frequently let out her trademark “come-ons” between points, even when Cirstea was about to serve. The Romanian appeared visibly upset by it, at one point even questioning the chair umpire during the match.

In her on-court interview, Osaka acknowledged the awkward moment, suggesting Cirstea might’ve been frustrated by those audible self-encouragements. “Apparently, a lot of ‘come ons’ that she was angry about,” Osaka said, before adding, “She’s a great player … I think this was her last Australian Open, so sorry she was mad about it.”

Image credit: BBC