Jelena Djokovic Questions Naomi Osaka's On-Court Conduct at Australian Open
Jelena Djokovic, wife of ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, has publicly criticised Naomi Osaka following the Japanese star's tense second-round victory at the tournament. The controversy centres on Osaka's behaviour during her match against Sorana Cirstea on Margaret Court Arena, which concluded with a frosty exchange at the net and visible agitation from Osaka during her on-court interview.
Social Media Intervention Sparks Debate
Taking to social media, Djokovic questioned whether Osaka's actions between serves should have been penalised as hindrance. "Hm, I'm surprised that this is not being called hindrance," Djokovic wrote. "In between two serves, when crowds are applauding or shouting, the chair ump asks not to shout between serves as it is disturbing to the player."
Djokovic elaborated further, stating: "The point is not finished. Sorana missed her first serve and is focusing on getting in the second, it is a slight pause. And it is disrespectful to applaud at someone's first serve mistake too." She also expressed surprise at the officiating, writing: "I am surprised that the chair / Naomi thought that was fair?! Were there any rule changes that I missed?!"
Osaka's Response and Apology
Despite being cleared by the umpire during the match, Osaka later conceded in her post-match press conference that she could have handled the situation better. "I think the first couple things that I said on the court was disrespectful," she admitted. "I don't like disrespecting people. That's not what I do." The two-time Australian Open champion offered a public apology, clarifying that she had not intended to show disrespect towards her opponent.
Focus Shifts to Crucial Third-Round Clash
The build-up to Osaka's next match has been significantly influenced by this controversy. She faces Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis tonight for the first time, with a place in the fourth round at stake. Inglis, the last remaining Australian woman in the draw, is riding strong momentum after coming through qualifying and securing victories over Kim Birrell and Germany's Laura Siegemund. Her performance has already guaranteed her at least $327,750 in prize money.
Former Australian doubles star Casey Dellacqua commented on the psychological impact of such incidents, noting: "Sometimes that stuff can play a little bit on your mind. But with Naomi being as experienced as she is, she'll put it behind her."
Australian Hopeful Prepares for Spotlight
Inglis, aged 28, will enjoy strong home support under the lights at Rod Laver Arena and is drawing on her Western Australian upbringing as temperatures rise during the tournament. She has spent rest days playing mixed doubles with fiancé Jason Kubler and appears to be embracing the moment rather than feeling overawed. "You're not in the third round of a Grand Slam every day," Inglis said. "I'm just going to soak it all in."
Osaka, aware of the challenge ahead, acknowledged the unknown factor posed by the Australian qualifier. "She deserves to be here," Osaka stated. "She's going to be a really tough opponent." As the tennis world watches closely, all eyes will be on whether Osaka can reset her focus amid the mounting scrutiny surrounding her on-court conduct.
