Naomi Osaka has been absent from the tennis court ever since she withdrew from the Australian Open.
However, that has not prevented her from still weighing in on some of the sport’s most hotly debated topics, perhaps even unprovoked.
After all, her latest opinion concerns that of grunting in tennis, which for some is a huge point of contention.
Some will argue that it’s wholly unnecessary, while others attest that it’s simply part of the game and must be respected.
Naomi Osaka certainly held a strong opinion on this topic.
Naomi Osaka’s defence of grunting in tennis
Taking to Threads, seemingly unprompted by anything that had happened elsewhere, the Japanese tennis star posted a simple three-sentence response for any vocal critics of grunting.
Osaka would write: “I laugh when people that don’t know anything about tennis start a podcast about tennis. What do you mean grunting is unsportsmanlike and it gives you the ick?”
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She concluded with a strong statement: “Watch a different sport lol”.
This seemingly random claim could be indicative of a player desperate to get back out on court playing again, especially after Osaka was forced to withdraw from the event in Dubai as she continues to nurse the injury that ended her Australian Open campaign.
When Aryna Sabalenka was penalised for grunting at the Australian Open
This topic does feel highly relevant at the moment, particularly given that Aryna Sabalenka was recently punished for her grunting at the Australian Open.
Having reached the semi-finals of the first Grand Slam of the year, the world number one faced Elina Svitolina for a spot in the final.
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However, early in that clash, as she mis-hit a forehand that looped up, her grunt was slightly extended with an additional exasperation.
Likely assuming that the ball was heading out, the spin saw it drop deep in the court.
Alas, Svitolina did not need to return it, as the umpire called for a hindrance on Sabalenka’s grunt.
Speaking in her post-match press conference, the Belarusian protested: “She called it, and I was, like, What? What is wrong with you?”
“I mean, I think it was the wrong call, but whatever.”
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