Naomi Osaka Surprised by Cirstea’s Cold Handshake
Naomi Osaka faced Sorana Cirstea in a thrilling second-round match at the Australian Open on January 21, 2026. The match, held at Margaret Court Arena, concluded with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in favor of Osaka. This win not only advanced Osaka in the tournament but also marked Cirstea’s farewell appearance.
Contentious Handshake Sparks Tension
The post-match handshake between the two players drew significant attention. Following the match, Cirstea exchanged a brief handshake with Osaka, turning her head away as she did so. This moment raised eyebrows, and Osaka immediately asked, “What was that for?”
Cirstea appeared visibly upset, reportedly discontented with Osaka’s energetic court presence during the match. Osaka later commented, “Apparently a lot of ‘c’mons’ that she was angry about, but whatever.” She acknowledged the intensity of the moment, adding, “I think this was her last Australian Open, so, OK, sorry she was mad about it.”
Emotions Run High
During her on-court interview, Osaka expressed her willingness to discuss the matter with Cirstea, saying, “Honestly … no one’s ever complained about it before.” She also noted that the umpire had not indicated any wrongdoing on her part, feeling that they had moved past the issue.
Osaka admitted, “I also want to apologize. I think the first couple things that I said on the court were disrespectful.” She emphasized her intent not to disrespect anyone.
Cirstea’s Perspective
Following the match, Cirstea addressed the incident, describing it as blown out of proportion. “There was no drama. It was just a five-second exchange between two players that have been on tour for a long time,” she stated. Cirstea preferred to focus on her extensive career rather than the brief moment of tension.
Osaka’s Distinct Style
The match contrasts sharply with Osaka’s previous performance, where she made headlines for her extravagant entrance against Antonia Ruzic. Osaka’s outfit included a jellyfish-inspired dress with a matching warmup jacket, which caught the attention of the audience. Although she omitted the wide-brimmed hat and veil this time, she expressed her flair for fashion, stating, “Just something fun I like to do on the court.”
As Osaka progresses through the tournament, fans eagerly anticipate her performances, both on the court and in her striking attire.
