New York (U.S.), Aug. 28, 2025 (Reuters/NAN) American Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko 7-5 6-1 in their U.S. Open second-round match on Wednesday, but the tension escalated during a heated post-match exchange.
Townsend came from 3-5 down in the first set, winning nine straight games to secure victory over the 2017 French Open champion on Court 11.
The win was overshadowed by a verbal altercation at the net, where Ostapenko appeared to confront Townsend, sparking an argument.
Townsend responded, “I don’t have to do anything,” as Ostapenko pointed at her repeatedly before the American walked off to celebrate with the crowd.
“It’s competition. People get upset when they lose and some people say bad things,” Townsend said during her on-court interview.
“She told me I had no class, no education, and to wait until we’re outside the U.S. I beat her in Canada, so we’ll see what she says next.”
Later, Ostapenko posted on Instagram, claiming Townsend disrespected tennis etiquette by not apologising after winning a point with a net-cord shot.
“She plays in her homeland and behaves like she can do anything,” the Latvian said, also criticising Townsend for warming up at the net instead of the baseline.
Townsend credited Ostapenko’s strong start but said she “locked in” to turn the match around.
“She was playing well at first. When people are playing good, you say nothing – that shows class,” Townsend told reporters.
“But I turned it up a level, and that’s what I’m proud of today.”
Townsend, 29, added she had no prior issues with Ostapenko, but would not accept disrespect.
“There’s no beef. But I didn’t back down. If I show respect, I expect respect. That’s just the fact,” she said.
Townsend, who is Black, said she didn’t take the remarks personally but acknowledged the historical weight of the insult.
“I’m proud to represent myself and our culture every time I step on court,” she said.
“I can’t speak on her intent. You’ll have to ask her. But the stigma around Black people being uneducated is real and false.”
She added that she preferred to “let the racket talk,” and emphasised the result
“I’m here, moving on to the next round and getting the next cheque. She’s packed and gone – that’s what matters.” (Reuters/NAN)
