In a surprising turn of events at the 2026 Australian Open, the tennis world witnessed yet another off-court controversy involving high-profile figures. Jelena Djokovic, wife of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, publicly criticized Naomi Osaka, labeling her actions during a second-round match as “disrespectful.” The incident stemmed from Osaka’s on-court behavior against Sorana Cirstea, where she applauded and shouted “come on” after Cirstea faulted on her first serve. Jelena took to social media to express her dismay, stating, “It is disrespectful to applaud at someone’s first serve mistake.
I am surprised that the chair umpire and Naomi thought that was fair?!”
The comment quickly ignited debate across the tennis community. Many fans and analysts pointed out that applauding or vocalizing encouragement after an opponent’s error—particularly between first and second serves—is not uncommon in modern tennis. Players often use such moments to pump themselves up, and the rules do not explicitly prohibit it unless it constitutes deliberate hindrance under the ITF regulations. The hindrance rule in tennis states that a player may not intentionally distract or interfere with an opponent’s ability to play the point.
However, incidental noise, celebrations after faults, or general court sounds are typically tolerated unless they clearly disrupt play and are deemed intentional by the chair umpire.
In this case, the chair umpire did not issue any warning or call hindrance during the match, suggesting that Osaka’s actions fell within acceptable bounds. Osaka herself later issued a public apology for any perceived offense, explaining that her reaction was spontaneous and not meant to disrespect Cirstea. The frosty handshake at the net afterward added fuel to the fire, with Cirstea feeling provoked, but no formal complaint was lodged.
Jelena’s intervention drew significant backlash. Critics highlighted what they saw as selective outrage, noting that Novak Djokovic has faced accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct multiple times throughout his career—ranging from heated exchanges with umpires to smashing rackets and even a controversial default at the 2020 US Open—without similar public condemnation from his wife. Social media erupted with comments accusing Jelena of hypocrisy, with one viral post reading: “Aren’t you only criticizing other players except your husband?”
Osaka, known for her composure and advocacy off the court, responded firmly in a statement that escalated the situation further. She reportedly said, “I already apologized, what more do you want? I didn’t want to say this but aren’t you only criticizing other players except your husband? Your husband Novak has done many actions considered disrespectful to opponents and never apologized, so why do you stay silent and never mention it? Don’t make me laugh anymore Jelena.”
The exchange threatened to overshadow the tournament’s on-court action, with fans divided between those defending traditional etiquette and others arguing that tennis has evolved to allow more expressive player personalities. Martina Navratilova, a tennis legend and vocal commentator, weighed in on the debate, supporting the view that such celebrations are part of the game’s intensity today.
Amid the growing tension, Novak Djokovic stepped in decisively. In a private but swiftly leaked message shared via close associates, the Serbian star reportedly urged his wife to reconsider her stance and issue an apology. Sources close to the Djokovic camp indicated that Novak emphasized a key point: Osaka’s behavior, while perhaps edgy, did not violate any tennis rules. Applauding after a fault or shouting encouragement is not banned; it is not classified as hindrance unless proven intentional and disruptive enough to warrant a code violation.
The chair umpire’s inaction during the match reinforced this interpretation—no let was called, no point penalty was issued.
Novak’s intervention was described by insiders as firm yet protective of family harmony. He reportedly told Jelena that prolonging the criticism would only damage the sport’s image and unfairly target a player who had already shown accountability through her apology. Within hours, Jelena posted a follow-up statement retracting her harsher words. “Upon reflection, I realize that my comment may have been too strong,” she wrote. “Naomi’s actions were within the spirit of competition, and no rules were broken. I apologize if my words caused unnecessary upset. Tennis is about respect on and off the court, and I stand by that.”
The apology marked a rare moment of de-escalation in what had become a heated family-versus-player narrative. Osaka acknowledged the gesture graciously, stating in a brief response: “Appreciate the maturity. Let’s move forward and enjoy the tennis.”
This episode highlights the delicate balance between passion and sportsmanship in professional tennis. While players like Osaka bring raw emotion and mental resilience to the game—qualities that have made her a four-time Grand Slam champion—public figures close to the sport must navigate their opinions carefully to avoid perceptions of bias. Novak’s role in prompting the apology underscores his influence not just as a player but as a family leader committed to fairness.
The controversy also reignited discussions about double standards in tennis. Novak has long been a polarizing figure, celebrated for his dominance yet criticized for on-court outbursts. His ability to step in and advocate for objectivity in this instance may help mend some of that perception. For Osaka, the incident serves as another chapter in her resilient career, where she continues to speak her truth while focusing on her comeback after personal challenges.
As the Australian Open progresses toward its later stages, this off-court drama reminds everyone that the sport’s greatest battles are not always played with rackets. They unfold in press rooms, social media feeds, and private conversations—where respect, rules, and relationships intersect. In the end, Novak’s insistence that Osaka did nothing rule-breaking proved pivotal, restoring a measure of calm and reinforcing that tennis, at its core, thrives on fair competition rather than selective judgment.
