Aussie Open star says commentators think tennis is only for white people

Australian player Destanee Aiava criticised BBC commentators' remarks about Naomi Osaka's Australian Open outfits and replied on social media, saying the comments felt elitist and exclusionary.

Australian player Destanee Aiava has publicly criticised British commentators for remarks about Naomi Osaka's choice of outfits at the Australian Open. Aiava, who rose to prominence as a teenager and was the first 2000s-born Grand Slam competitor, was knocked out in qualifying and has been active on social media. The debate followed commentary shared by BBC 5 Live Sport in which Jamie Murray and Eliza Wastcoat criticised Osaka's walk-on outfits. Aiava replied on social platforms, saying the comments made the sport seem stuffy and posting that the broadcaster appeared to think tennis was only for white people. Reported details: - Destanee Aiava was knocked out in Australian Open qualifying and has been active on social media in response to coverage. - Jamie Murray said he felt there was "an element of disrespect to the sport," in commentary about Naomi Osaka's outfit choices. - Eliza Wastcoat criticised Osaka's walk-on outfits on air and had previously posted critical comments on her Instagram account describing them as "tacky" and not reflective of tennis heritage. - Aiava replied to a BBC post, saying the remarks felt elitist and that they made tennis appear "stuffy" to outsiders. - Aiava shared an Instagram Story that said the broadcaster seemed to think tennis was "only for the white people" and referenced players who have drawn attention to the sport, including Naomi Osaka and the Williams sisters. - Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open hours before her scheduled third-round match, citing an abdominal injury and saying she could not risk further damage. Summary: Destanee Aiava's public responses have drawn attention to the tone of media commentary and questions about inclusivity in tennis. The remarks came as Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament citing an abdominal injury. Undetermined at this time.