Drama Unfolds: Osaka and Cîrstea’s Handshake Sparks Australian Open Excitement

Morgan Winslow

Published: January 24, 2026 11:36 PM ET

The fifth day of the 2026 Australian Open brought excitement and drama to Melbourne, as notable matches captivated tennis fans. Among the highlights were the compelling showdowns featuring Naomi Osaka and Sorana Cîrstea, along with a significant upset by Nikola Bartůňková.

Osaka and Cîrstea’s Handshake Sparks Australian Open Excitement

Naomi Osaka, seeded 16th, faced off against Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea in an intense three-set match, eventually winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The encounter grew even more intriguing following their post-match handshake, which was characterized by an apparent tension.

Details of the Controversial Handshake

Cîrstea expressed frustration over Osaka’s consistent use of motivational phrases during crucial moments.
As Cîrstea served down 4-2 in the final set, she reportedly complained to the umpire.
After the match, Cîrstea told Osaka that she did not understand fair play.

Osaka addressed the situation during her on-court interview, mentioning, “a lot of come-ons that [Cîrstea] was angry about” helped her in the match. While Cîrstea preferred to downplay the incident, suggesting it was a brief exchange between two seasoned players, Osaka later apologized for her comments and expressed her respect for her opponent, who may be playing her last Australian Open.

Major Upsets and Exciting Matches

The day was not only marked by Osaka’s victory. Nikola Bartůňková, a rising star from the Czech Republic, achieved the biggest upset of the tournament by defeating 10th seed Belinda Bencic with scores of 6-3, 0-6, 6-4. Bartůňková’s resilience shines through, as she comeback from a 6-0 loss in the second set to secure her win.

Other Notable Matches

Stan Wawrinka showcased his skill with a thrilling five-set match against Arthur Géa.
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, the 2022 doubles champions, faced a tense defeat against Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans.
Defending champion Madison Keys won against Ashlyn Krueger, coming from behind in the second set.

As the 2026 Australian Open continues, the anticipation for more thrilling matches and potential upsets remains high. The dynamic atmosphere of competition is invigorating fans worldwide, emphasizing why this tournament is among the most prestigious in tennis.