'You have no idea what fair play is': Cîrstea and Osaka clash after spiteful handshake

(Getty/Phil Walter)

An unexpected feud erupted on Margaret Court Arena between Sorana Cîrstea and Naomi Osaka, with the latter apologising for comments made in her on-court interview.

Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, edged another tight three-set contest against her Romanian opponent, recording a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win, which ensures a third round clash against Aussie qualifier Maddison Inglis.

As the pressure heightened in the final set, former world No.21 Cîrstea was livid by Osaka's constant "c'mons" in between her service points.

"You don't know what fair play is, my friend," a furious Cirstea told Osaka at the net.

"You've been playing for so long, and you have no idea what fair play is."

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"Apparently a lot of 'c'mons' that she was angry about, but whatever," Osaka said post-match when clarifying the argument with Cîrstea.

"She's a great player. I think it was her last Australian Open, so... I'm sorry she was mad about it."

When questioned whether the heated exchange was about the 'c'mons' during points, Osaka replied: "I think so, but like, she could've asked me."

After some time to settle and remove herself from the heat of the moment, Osaka confessed that her on-court interview was not the classiest.

"Well, if I'm being honest, I've never been involved in something like this before, so it's like I don't know if we're supposed to leave it on the court and be like, 'Hey, how [are] you doing?' [in the locker room]," Osaka told reporters.

"I'm a little confused. I guess that emotions were very high for her. I also want to apologise. I think the first couple things that I said on the court was disrespectful. I don't like disrespecting people – that's not what I do."

In her own press conference, Cîrstea downplayed the drama.

"No, all good. We just had a chat. Nothing big."

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