Revealed On 31 Aug 2025
Jelena Ostapenko has apologised for a few of the phrases she utilized in a tense altercation with American Taylor Townsend on the US Open, which led to a backlash, with the Latvian stating that English was not her native language.
The controversy ignited after Townsend, who’s Black, beat 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in a troublesome second-round battle on Wednesday earlier than being dragged right into a verbal duel by her opponent following their handshake.
Townsend revealed a part of the change in her on-court interview, saying Ostapenko accused her of getting “no class” and “no schooling”, including in a information convention that the Latvian must reply if there have been “racial undertones” to the row.
Ostapenko mentioned on Instagram that her anger stemmed from Townsend’s refusal to apologise for benefitting from a web twine – when the American’s shot clipped the online and stayed in play – and accused her of being disrespectful.
Most gamers have a tendency to carry up their racket in apology after profitable such a degree, following age-old traditions within the sport.
The altercation prompted four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to wade into the controversy, with the Japanese participant saying that utilizing the phrases that Ostapenko did had been the worst issues to utter to criticise a Black participant.
“I wished to apologise for a few of the issues I mentioned throughout my second-round singles match,” Ostapenko mentioned on Saturday.
“English just isn’t my native language, so after I mentioned schooling, I used to be talking solely about what I imagine as tennis etiquette, however I perceive how the phrases I used may have offended many individuals past the tennis court docket.
“I recognize the assist as I proceed to study and develop as an individual and a participant.”
Townsend mentioned later it was good that Ostapenko apologised.
“That’s positive. That’s cool,” she added. “On the finish of the day, I believe that it’s a lesson for her … you possibly can’t push your expectations on different individuals. That’s what occurred.
“She anticipated me to react a sure manner, and I didn’t, and it infuriated her, which led her to say issues which can be hurtful, belligerent, offensive, not solely to me however to the game and a complete tradition of individuals I attempt to symbolize the most effective I can.”
American Coco Gauff mentioned Townsend, who will tackle Barbora Krejcikova within the fourth spherical, was one of many nicest individuals she knew.
Townsend mentioned lots of people had been discovering out about her following the incident.
“There’s numerous acquainted faces right here, however there are lots of people who possibly didn’t have any thought who I used to be,” she mentioned.
“Folks having the ability to see me now, however then having the ability to return and go into my historical past and comply with my journey and determine how has she gotten right here, I believe that’s tremendous cool.”
