Former world number one Lindsay Davenport has predicted Naomi Osaka will need to modify her on-court behaviour after the Japanese star’s vocal self-encouragement between opponent Sorana Cirstea’s serves sparked a furious row at the Australian Open.
Davenport described the conduct as a violation of fundamental tennis etiquette, while Martina Navratilova told Tennis Channel that players cannot speak aloud between their opponent’s first and second serves.
Navratilova suggested Osaka was likely unaware of the issue, saying she did not believe the 28-year-old acted deliberately.
Jelena Djokovic, wife of Novak Djokovic, also weighed in on Instagram, questioning why match officials had not called hindrance when Osaka shouted encouragement to herself during Cirstea’s service motion.
She noted that chair umpires routinely ask crowds not to make noise between serves as it disturbs players, and expressed surprise that neither the official nor Osaka considered the behaviour unfair.
The controversy arose during the third set of their second-round match when Cirstea grew increasingly frustrated with Osaka calling out “come on” as the Romanian prepared to deliver her second serve.
Cirstea confronted Osaka at the net following her defeat, leading to a tense handshake. The 16th seed then made pointed remarks during her on-court interview, referencing Cirstea’s age and suggesting it might be the Romanian’s final Australian Open appearance.
Osaka later apologised during her press conference, acknowledging her initial comments had been disrespectful.
However, she maintained she had not breached any rules, stating the umpire had confirmed her conduct was acceptable. She noted that no opponent had previously raised concerns about her vocal self-motivation during matches.
