Naomi Osaka battles past Sorana Cirstea but emotions boil over in ‘fair play’ row – The Irish Times TennisNaomi Osaka battles past Sorana Cirstea but emotions boil over in ‘fair play’ row Romanian player accuses Japanese opponent of hindering her by loud shouts on courtSorana Cirstea makes a comment to Naomi Osaka following their second-round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images Tumaini Carayol in MelbourneThu Jan 22 2026 – 16:42 • 4 MIN READ The courtside photographer pit was already full 10 minutes before call time on Thursday night inside Margaret Court Arena. As all cameras pointed directly at the players’ entrance, it was not difficult to understand why they were there. A day earlier, Naomi Osaka had produced one of the enduring images of the 2026 Australian Open, marching on to Rod Laver Arena in an outrageous outfit inspired by a jellyfish. This time, before her gritty, contentious 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 second-round win over Sorana Cirstea, she left the hat and veil back in the locker room.
Published: January 22, 2026 4:43 pm
Source: The Irish Times — Read original