Naomi Osaka has apologized for “disrespectful” comments following her 6-3 4-6 6-2 win over Sorana Cirstea at the Australian Open.
The match ended with a frosty handshake after Cirstea took issue with Osaka’s vocal celebrations between serves.
While Osaka initially made light of the tension on court, she later expressed regret in a news conference.
“I don’t like disrespecting people,” the 16th seed said. Cirstea, who is retiring at the end of the year, downplayed the incident as a brief exchange between veterans.
Osaka faces Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis in the third round.
10th seed Belinda Bencic was knocked out by Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova.
Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and defending champion Madison Keys all secured straight-set wins.
