The most controversial runners-up speeches of all-time as Naomi Osaka fails to congratulate Victoria Mboko

Over the years, there have been many controversial acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, whether that be directed at an opponent, umpire, fans or even themselves.

Tennis players are an emotional group, playing an incredibly intense sport with so much glory and money on the line. They can be forgiven, at times, for allowing those emotions to run away from them.

However, with Naomi Osaka having come under fire for her recent post-match speech after losing to Victoria Mboko, it’s worth combing back through some of the most controversial reactions that runners-up have had across the history of the women’s sport.

Naomi Osaka forgets to congratulate Victoria Mboko in Canadian Open final

It’s only right that we start with the most current, with Naomi Osaka delivering a short on-court speech before going on to snub her subsequent press conference.

She has since explained why she did not congratulate Mboko, admitting that she simply forgot.

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

However, she failed to apologise for the gaffe, even if it was only a minor one.

That being said, this was not a nasty affair, as the Canadian remained cordial and complimentary of her opponent, whilst Osaka praised the teenage title-holder’s performance.

Serena Williams slams chair umpire after 2018 US Open final

Serena Williams’ outburst after the 2018 US Open final was not so reserved, as she lost to Osaka in straight sets.

It marked the first Grand Slam title that a Japanese player, male or female, had ever won.

More Man City News

But the match was overshadowed by Williams’ ongoing altercation with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during the second set.

She refused to shake his hand after the match, and whilst she was kind to Osaka, told the umpire, ‘You owe me an apology’.

The American crowd booed throughout.

Martina Hingis failed to shake Steffi Graf’s hand after the 1999 French Open final

Rushing into a one-set lead in the 1999 French Open final, Martina Hingis was just one set away from completing a career Grand Slam at the age of just 18.

Alas, the indomitable champion Steffi Graf came back to win, becoming the first player in the Open Era to defeat the top-three ranked players at the same major.

The Swiss teenager did not react well to her collapse though, and at one point marched over to Graf’s side of the court to dispute a contentious line call.

This turned the French crowd hostile, and upon losing, Hingis rushed off the court in tears before she could even shake the victor’s hand.

Upon returning, she gave a brief speech, vowing to return to win the title. Sadly, she never did.

Venus Williams failed to congratulate Agnieszka Radwanska after the 2014 Rogers Cup final

Venus Williams’ 2014 Rogers Cup final defeat actually offers an eerily similar comparison to Osaka’s last night, especially with her reaction.

She too opted against congratulating Agnieszka Radwanska, the champion, and gave a brief, dismissive handshake at the net.

Commentators and pundits alike questioned the lack of grace from Venus, who had beaten her sister Serena in the semi-finals.

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It boggles the mind to think that, nine years on from that final, where she was 36 years old, she remains present on the tour.

Venus Williams was granted a wild card into Washington and Cincinnati, as she continues to draw huge crowds.

Click here to read article