Naomi Osaka vs Tunisia's Ons Jabeur

Watch how Naomi Osaka delicately frees a butterfly mid-match

Watch how Naomi Osaka delicately frees a butterfly mid-match

Watch how Naomi Osaka delicately frees a butterfly mid-match

Naomi Osaka displayed her instinctive soft touch when she had to deal with a butterfly landing on her mid-match at the 2021 Australian Open on Friday, but she was otherwise little worried as she sailed into into the last 16.

After the butterfly settled on her leg in the 2nd set, Osaka tenderly carried the insect trespasser to safety at the side of the court. But the butterfly snubbed her as it landed on her face, much to everyone’s enjoyment. “Even Australian butterflies are in love with you,” was the popular thread on Twitter.

It was a picture-perfect moment as Osaka gently tried to rid herself of the butterfly and returned to complete an easy 6-3, 6-2 victory over Tunisian 27th seed Ons Jabeur. The 3rd seed and champion in Melbourne 2 years ago, will now have a epic showdown with last year’s runner-up Garbine Muguruza.

The video of Naomi Osaka’s on-court encounter with a butterfly was widely shared on social media, with people remarking on how nicely she managed the whole incident.

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Naomi remained unnerved and unaffected by the insect as she dealt with the bizarre situation mid-match in the most compassionate and gentle manner.

Naomi is seen in this clip wearing a Nike tank top and pink skirt.

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