Day five of the Australian Open in Melbourne saw a wholesome moment unfold out on the court. It was the women’s singles match in which Japan’s Naomi Osaka was playing against Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur. In a picture-perfect moment, a butterfly happened to land on Osaka.
R3✔️🦋❤️😩😂 pic.twitter.com/fiG8bipfCx
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) February 12, 2021
In a Twitter video, the butterfly is seen landing briefly on Osaka’s leg first during the match. When she tried to carry it to the side of the court in order to set it free, it lands on her face instead. Check it out:
.@naomiosaka's new good luck charm? 🦋😊#AO2021pic.twitter.com/hk82DKQ9cL
— wta (@WTA) February 12, 2021
The crowd cheered as she dealt with the unusual situation peacefully as she finally carried it to safety and set the little visitor free, News18 reports.
A moment in time 🦋💙@naomiosaka | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/KWS0lnVz1D
— wta (@WTA) February 12, 2021
The 23-year-old player seemed absolutely unfazed and unnerved at being interrupted mid-match by the butterfly.
Naomi Osaka and a butterfly went exactly as you'd imagine#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ckXtTwDrZZ
— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) February 12, 2021
Everyone including the commentators were impressed by Osaka’s graceful, gentle touch as she escorted it to safety. She drew applause from the crowd for choosing to stop the match and treating the butterfly with care.
More pix of @naomiosaka and the butterfly from @AFP's Dave Gray and Paul Crock at the #AusOpen in Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/VGax6nMOx2
— Andrew Beatty (@AndrewBeatty) February 12, 2021
The butterfly is in love with you, @naomiosaka 😂🦋 pic.twitter.com/vy7HmaNz6W
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) February 12, 2021
She went on to beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in a 6-3, 6-2 victory and breezed into the last 16 of the Australian open. “I hope that you guys enjoyed the match and thanks for coming out today,” she said, thanking fans for attending the match as the stands would be now empty for the next couple of days due to lockdown, TOI reports.
Cutest moment of the day goes to @naomiosaka and her new friend. 🥰#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/JpPRGOS7W6
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 12, 2021
I loved the tennis ace’s calm act of care. What about you?