'Shameful': Fans call out Osaka's 'classless' act, overshadows Canadian teen's biggest title

(Getty/Minas Panagiotakis)

Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka is facing backlash after failing to congratulate her opponent during the trophy presentation in Montreal.

Having produced jaw-dropping tennis throughout the past fortnight at the WTA 1000 event, Osaka was one set away from winning the title against 18-year-old Canadian talent Victoria Mboko.

However, the rising teenage star displayed composure beyond her years to eventually pull through in a pulsating 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 triumph.

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There was a bizarre moment on Osaka's serve trailing 1-5, 40-15, when the 27-year-old didn't look to be competing at 100 per cent, confusing the crowd when she didn't want to chase down a ball.

Then, during the routine speeches, Osaka left fans in a state of shock after she chose not to mention Mboko's name and congratulate her.

"Thanks, I guess," said the former world No.1 after the crowd applauded.

"I don't really want to take up too much time, so I'll just say thank you to everyone, thank you to my team, thank you to the ball kids, thank you to the organisers and all the volunteers.

"I hope you guys had a good night."

Social media went into meltdown, branding Osaka's words as "classless".

"It's absolutely shameful that Naomi Osaka knows Victoria Mboko idolises and looks up to her, and she couldn't even congratulate her or even mention her name. Disgusting, sore loser behaviour. She earned a hater in me today," one person wrote on X.

Another fan added, "Osaka needs some humility. Gross display of sportsmanship."

"Life comes at you fast. Wasn't Naomi something similar to Serena a few years ago?" a seperate comment read.

The last reply is in reference to Serena Williams' infamous tantrum at the 2018 US Open final, where she spoiled Osaka's crowning moment.

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Osaka started her press conference by acknowledging that she made a mistake in her emotional speech.

"I think Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on the court," she explained to the media post-match.

Both players have climbed inside the top 25, which ensures a seeding at the last Grand Slam of the year in New York.

Osaka has achieved her best ranking (No.25) since January 2022.

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