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Last Updated:January 22, 2026, 18:24 IST
Naomi Osaka defeated Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 at the 2026 Australian Open, but a frosty handshake and dispute over Osaka’s “come on” shouts stole the spotlight.
Cirstea and Osaka amid a heated conversation after their AO26 clash (AP)
It wasn’t Naomi Osaka’s tennis that had people talking at Melbourne Park on Thursday.
A frosty handshake and an even frostier exchange stole the spotlight after the former World No.1 knocked out Sorana Cirstea in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open.
Osaka won the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. But it was what happened at the net that tipped the scales over.
It’s not very clear who says “C’mon" between serves, but if it’s Osaka then Sorana is right, that’s very poor sportsmanship from Osaka. pic.twitter.com/l5KIJc0GFZ— Lorena Popa 🕵️♀️🎾 (@popalorena) January 22, 2026
Cirstea took issue with Osaka’s loud self-encouragement — particularly her repeated “come on" shouts between the Romanian’s first and second serves. That frustration spilt over at the handshake.
The Romanian, playing what is expected to be her final Australian Open, was visibly unhappy and launched into an animated rant that wasn’t picked up by TV microphones.
Osaka, caught off guard, was heard asking: “What was that for?"
The tension didn’t end there.
Asked about the exchange moments later, Osaka shrugged it off with trademark bluntness.
Naomi Osaka on the icy handshake with Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open“What did it take to get through that one?"
Naomi: “Apparently a lot of come ons that she was angry about. Whatever. She’s a great player. I think this was her last Australian Open. Sorry she was mad… pic.twitter.com/uCODMBfnKD
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2026
“Apparently, a lot of ‘come-ons’ that she was angry about. Whatever.
She’s a great player. I think this was her last Australian Open. Sorry, she was mad about it."
On court, the four-time Grand Slam champion made a shaky start, dropping her opening service game and spraying errors early. She recovered to take the first set, only to wobble again in the second as Cirstea forced a decider.
The third set had its own drama. Osaka took a break between sets, then called a medical timeout while leading 3-1. Any concerns were short-lived. She cranked up the power and ran away with the match.
Next up for Osaka: Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis. Expect fewer accessories and maybe fewer “come-ons."
(with agency inputs)
First Published:
January 22, 2026, 18:24 IST
News sports tennis Frosty Handshake, Fiery Words: Osaka, Cirstea Clash After 'Come On' Controversy Erupts | WATCH
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