Naomi Osaka and Sorana Cirstea in heated exchange after second round match
Naomi Osaka apologized for her “disrespectful” on-court interview following her second-round victory over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, which saw the pair argue heatedly at the net after the match.
Osaka and Cirstea shook hands before the chair went to shake referee Kelly Rask’s hand, while Cirstea spoke to Osaka and the Romanian left the field.
After the match, Romania’s Sorana Cirstea (left) faces Japan’s Naomi Osaka (right).Credit: access point
Cirstea seemed annoyed when Osaka regained her composure and shouted “Come on” between the first and second serves.
When Osaka crossed for her on-court interview, the four-time champion, clearly upset by the change, shot back when asked what it would take to beat her second-round opponent.
“[There were] There was a lot of ‘Come on’ that she was apparently angry about, but whatever,” Osaka said.
“I mean, I tried to play well, I think I made a lot of unforced errors, but I tried to do my best. He’s a great player, I think it was his last Australian Open, so okay, [I’m] “I’m sorry, that’s why he got angry.”
Naomi Osaka in her on-field interview.Credit: Getty Images
However, Osaka apologized for the interview in her post-match press conference and said emotions were likely running high for the Romanian, who will retire at the end of 2026.
“Honestly, I’ve never been involved in anything like this before, so I don’t know if we should just leave it on the field and say, ‘Hey, how about it?’ [are] What are you doing?’ [in the locker room]” said Osaka.
