Naomi Osaka ‘so sorry’ after fans thought she ‘trolled’ Jennifer Brady after beating her in Australian Open final

MANY thought Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka trolled runner-up Jennifer Brady during her acceptance speech - but the new champ has now explained what happened.

Many took to the social media platform to highlight Osaka calling Brady "Jennifer", despite her beaten opponent preferring "Jenny".

The 23-year-old defeated Brady 6-4 6-3 to win her second Australian Open title and fourth Grand Slam.

At the , the Japanese athlete turned to Brady and asked: "Do you like to be called Jenny or Jennifer?"

The crowd laughed as the runner-up clearly said: "Jenny."

Osaka then said: "Firstly I want to congratulate Jennifer."

Osaka, who went on to praise her 25-year-old rival, has now explained what happened.

Writing on Twitter she said: "I promise you my mind thought I called her Jenny in that moment and I was so confused why the crowd was laughing.

"I’m so sorry."

Her apology clears things up, but before that, tennis fans on social media were convinced she had snubbed her opponent.

One Twitter user described Osaka as 'rude' while another thought she was being polite for asking in the first place.

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Many, however, found the champions' comments funny and a harmless example of trolling.

Osaka, who defeated Serena Williams 6-3 6-4 in the semi-final, went on to describe her delight at winning another Grand Slam.

She said: "This feels incredible. I didn't play my last slam with fans so to have this energy means a lot.

"Thank you for opening your hearts and arms towards us. Playing a Grand Slam is a super privilege and one I won't take for granted."

Brady, who was playing in her first Grand Slam final having won her maiden WTA title last August, was full of praise for the winner.

She said: "I’d like to congratulate Naomi on another Grand Slam title.

"She is such an inspiration to us, what she is doing for the game is amazing, getting the sport out there.

“I hope young girls are watching this and are inspired by what she is doing."

Osaka will now be eyeing up her maiden French Open title in May.

She will also be desperate to win Wimbledon for the first time in June.