Naomi Osaka offered a light-hearted apology to her racket sponsor for throwing a tantrum against Zheng Saisai at the Australian Open on Wednesday as the defending champion overcame her frustrations to set up a third-round clash with Coco Gauff, reports Reuters.
After dropping serve early in the second set, third seed Osaka threw her racket, slammed a ball into the court and gave her racket a kick for good measure before steadying the ship and earning a 6-2 6-4 win on a gusty day at Margaret Court Arena.
“I mean, my racket just magically flew out of my hand,” Osaka told reporters with a smile.
“I couldn’t control it. Sorry, Yonex.
“I think that’s how I dealt with my frustration. It was a bit childish. I just want to play one match without throwing my racket or kicking it. That’s all I want.”
Gauff, the 15-year-old American sensation, set up a blockbuster rematch with her U.S. Open conqueror Osaka by beating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 4-6 6-3 7-5 at a heaving Melbourne Arena.
Osaka defeated Gauff 6-3 6-0 in the third round at Flushing Meadows before her title defence was ended by Belinda Bencic in the next match.
“I played her at the U.S. Open so I know what to expect,” Gauff said of Osaka in her on-court interview.
“I think she’s a great competitor on and off the court.”
