Naomi Osaka has revealed the reason behind Sorana Cirstea’s frigid handshake as the Romanian’s Australian Open farewell turned into a heated exchange with the Japanese star.
Cirstea barely shook her hand as she looked briefly towards Osaka before walking off. Osaka then confronted her before she laughed it off and moved away to wave to the fans and celebrate her victory.
Osaka reveals reason behind Icy handshake from angry Cirstea in Australian Open
In a post-match on-court TV interview, Osaka tried to explain the reason behind Cirstea’s icy handshake. The former World No. 1 said:
"Apparently, a lot of 'c'mons' that she was angry about, but whatever.”
Osaka firyehr said:
"I mean, I tried to play well, I tried my best.”
The Japanese player continued:
“She's a great player. I think this was her last Australian Open, so, OK, sorry she was mad about it."
Sorana was complaining about Osaka talking between her first and second serves. Speaking of the issue, the four-time Grand Slam champion added:
"She could have asked me [to stop]."
Osaka stated that no one complained to her about this before, and the umpire also did not warn her if she was wrong. The tennis star then added that she is open to talking to Cirstea and apologised to her as she doesn't like “disrespecting people.”
Meanwhile, Osaka, who stunned the crowd during her Australian Open 2026 debut with her jellyfish-inspired dress, is all set to face Maddison Inglis next in the Round of 32.
ALSO READ: Watch: Naomi Osaka claims heated victory over Cirstea amid frosty handshake drama at Australian Open