Australian Open Drama: Martina Navratilova Questions Naomi Osaka’s Actions In Sorana Cirstea Match

Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 08:33 IST

Martina Navratilova criticises Naomi Osaka for yelling 'Come On' during Sorana Cirstea's serves in a dramatic Australian Open match.

Naomi Osaka beat Sorana Cirstea in a three-set encounter (Picture credit: AP)

18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova has said that Naomi Osaka was wrong to yell ‘Come On’ between the first and second serves of Sorana Cirstea. This match saw a lot of drama and ended with a cold handshake.

On Thursday, Osaka edged past 35-year-old Cirstea in a tense three-set battle, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The post-match handshake was chilly, with Cirstea keeping her distance.

When Osaka asked Cirstea why she offered such a cold handshake, the latter accused Osaka of lacking in the values of fair play.

Cirstea’s frustration with the 2021 Australian Open champion arose from repeated loud shouts of ‘Come on’ by Osaka between her first and second serves.

In her post-match on-court interview, the 2019 Australian Open champion, with a hint of sarcasm, claimed that her loud yells were what helped her get past Cirstea.

Navratilova shared her take on the incident during Tennis Channel’s coverage of the Melbourne Major. She sympathised with Osaka’s sarcastic remarks in her on-court interview, suggesting that they were made in the heat of the moment.

“I can get what she said after the match because it was just in the heat of the moment. She was surprised by Cirstea’s reaction at the handshake," Navratilova said.

However, Navratilova drew the line at Osaka’s loud shouts between Cirstea’s serves, expressing no sympathy for that aspect of her behaviour.

“You cannot be talking out loud between the first and second serves of your opponent. Cirstea was ready to hit the second serve when Osaka said, ‘Come on!’ That isn’t right," Navratilova said.

“I don’t think she did it on purpose. She did not realise it. You can say ‘Come on!’ all you want, but keep it inside," Navratilova added.

Osaka will next take on local talent Maddison Inglis in the third round on Saturday, January 24.

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