Naomi Osaka may have apologised for her conduct in her most recent Australian Open match, but the intrigue surrounding this controversy refuses to die down.
And, interestingly enough, tennis fans seem split on who is to blame for this frustration.
Some argue that Sorana Cirstea has blown the entire thing out of proportion and sullied her last-ever appearance at this event.
Others have instead claimed that Naomi Osaka was completely in the wrong for what she did mid-match.
Martina Navratilova seems to be firmly in the latter camp.
Martina Navratilova questions Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open behaviour
Speaking on Tennis Channel, the panel sought to review the biggest controversy to have emerged from the Australian Open thus far.
Navratilova led the charge: “I can get what she said after the match, because that’s kind of heat of the moment. She was surprised by Cirstea’s reaction at the handshake, but you cannot be talking out loud between the first and second serve of your opponent.
Who do you think was in the wrong during this heated Australian Open moment?
“I mean, Cirstea was ready to hit the second serve, and then Osaka says ‘Come on’. That’s not right.
“I don’t think she does it on purpose. She doesn’t realise it. You can say ‘Come on’ all you want, but keep it inside. Do not verbalise it.”
Lindsay Davenport was far more stringent in her assessment, noting: “Yeah, I mean, Osaka is 28 years of age. Like, she’s played tennis for a long time. It’s just something you don’t really do. You’re not supposed to make noise between the first and second serves.
“Cirstea calling her out on it, Osaka did it in her opening round match. No one said anything. We all know Osaka. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. So I would be surprised if she continued with that behaviour.
“You can pump yourself up by hitting your thigh. You can’t yell out in between serves. Basic kind of tennis etiquette 101.”
Navratilova would finally add: “I mean, I think she’d rather people talk about her outfit and her tennis than this, so I think she’ll be aware of it. I don’t think she did it on purpose again.
“But, you know, sometimes you just have to, you know, say less.”
What exactly did Naomi Osaka do to annoy Sorana Cirstea?
Many will still have not seen the flashpoint that resulted in Cirstea’s frustration, but after watching, it’s clear to see where the Romanian is coming from.
After all, Osaka was very vocal in between first and second serves, which as Davenport suggests, goes against basic tennis etiquette.
What do you think about Naomi Osaka’s Australian Open outfit?
It’s not a flagrant infringement of the rules, but seems frowned upon by many within the community. Cirstea was justified in voicing her frustration to the umpire.
However, the frosty handshake and spiky exchange of words at the net seemed uncalled for, and did taint her final match at the Australian Open a little.
Osaka has apologised for her comments and conduct, but that is clearly not enough to quell the discussion around this debate.
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