Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko were involved in a fierce exchange at the end of the second round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday.
After Townsend finished with a 7-5, 6-1 victory, the two encountered a post-match handshake online. But instead of heading to the locker room, they exchanged words, and Ostapenko shook his finger at the American opponent. When the family seemed to be behind Townsend, she approached the stands as the noise rose in Court No. 11.
After the game, Ostapenko said in an Instagram story that she was upset with Townsend’s behavior before and during the victory.
“After the game, I told my opponent she was very disrespectful because she was in a very decisive netball [moment] And didn’t say [sorry]but her answer is that she doesn’t have to say sorry at all,” Ostapenko said. “There are some rules in tennis, and most players follow that, and it’s the first time this has happened on my tour. If she plays in her own home, it doesn’t mean she can act and do whatever she wants. ”
She added: “At the start of the game, all players should start warming up on the baseline. The opponent comes out and starts warming up right away, which is very disrespectful and violates the rules of tennis games.”
Townsend said Ostapenko insulted her in the post-match handshake. “She told me I had no classes, no education, and see what happens when we are outside the United States,” Townsend said. “I’m looking forward to it. I beat her in Canada outside the United States. So let’s see what else she’s going to say.”
Townsend is the world number one in doubles, but currently ranks in the top 100 in singles, indicating that No. 25 seed Ostapenko is angry about frustration. “I mean, it’s competition,” Townsend said. “When they lose, people get upset.”
2017 French Open champion Ostapenko has angered his opponent in the past. 2021 in Wimbledon, Ajla Tomljanovic Accuse Latvians Pretend to be injured when she asked for medical timeout. Ostapenko went on to call Australia “the worst player on the tour”.
Townsend will play No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in the third round.
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