Twitter users believe Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka trolled runner-up Jennifer Brady during her acceptance speech.
Many adopted the social media platform to highlight Osaka by calling Brady “Jennifer”, although she prefers “Jenny”.
The 23-year-old defeated Brady 6-4 6-3 to win her second Australian Open title and fourth Grand Slam.
At the beginning of her acceptance speech, the Japanese native turned to Brady and asked, “Do you like being called Jenny or Jennifer?”
The crowd laughed when the runner-up said clearly, “Jenny.”
Osaka then said, “First of all, I want to congratulate Jennifer.”
The comment was probably just a mistake by Osaka when she praised the 25-year-old.
But that was not how it was received on social media.
One Twitter user described Osaka as “rude”, while another thought she was being polite when asked first.
Many, however, found the comments of the champions funny and a harmless example of trolling.
Osaka, who defeated Serena Williams 6-3 and 6-4 in the semifinal, described his pleasure in winning another Grand Slam.
She said, “This is incredible. I didn’t play my last slam with the fans, so having that energy means a lot.
“Thank you for opening your hearts and arms to us. Playing a Grand Slam is a super privilege that I don’t take for granted. “
Brady, who was playing his first Grand Slam final after winning his inaugural WTA title last August, praised the winner.
“I would like to congratulate Naomi for yet another Grand Slam title,” she said. “She is an inspiration for us, what she is doing for the game is incredible, putting the sport out there.
“I hope the girls are watching this and are inspired by what she is doing.”
Osaka will now be eyeing his first title at the French Open in May.
She will also aim to beat Wimbledon for the first time in June.