Naomi Osaka has scripted a sensational run to the US Open quarterfinals this year – her first appearance in the last eight of a Grand Slam since her fourth career major at the Australian Open in 2021. En route, the two-time US Open winner beat Daria Kasatkina and reigning French Open titleholder Coco Gauff.
However, she might find herself in trouble as she could have ruffled feathers among US Open officials with a bold move in the press conference, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s act at Euro 2020.
Osaka, who has never lost a Grand Slam match once she makes it to the quarters, will next take on Karolina Muchova for a place in the semis. Ahead of the face-off on Wednesday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 27-year-old answered a few questions, reflecting on her run thus far in the tournament. However, the part that went viral on social media was when a reporter posed a question to the Japanese star, and she quietly seized the Evian water bottle placed near the mic on the table and moved it out of view.
Evian is one of the primary sponsors of the US Open, and its water bottles have been displayed during press conferences throughout the tournament this year.