Naomi Osaka condemned Jelena Ostapenko’s comments in a confrontation with Taylor Townsend at the U.S. Open.
Wednesday’s incident has been one of the most watched events in the game, with Ostapenko accusing American Townsend of not having education and not attending classes after the second round. Ostapenko’s comments that the reaction to Townsend had no apology prompted people to accuse racism.
Ostapenko strongly denied on social media, and while Townsend also said she did not explain the remarks in this way, Osaka verbally volleyed Latvians when asked about the incident.
“I think this is obviously one of the worst things you’ve said to black tennis players,” Osaka said, who won the third round on Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2021, beating U.S. Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1. “I know Taylor, I know how hard she works and I know how smart she is, so she’s uneducated or something like that.”
Ostapenko is known as one of the most refined characters in the women’s tour, Osaka added: “If you really ask me about Ostapenko’s history, I don’t think it’s the craziest thing she said. Honestly, I’ll tell the truth.
“I think it’s out of place and the worst person you’ve ever had. And I don’t know if she knows American history. But I know she’ll never say it again in her life. It’s so scary.”
When asked about the incident, Townsend wanted to focus on confrontation, and she called for attention to it to be positive for the U.S. Open and tennis as a whole. “If I could draw a large crowd into the stadium to allow people to come and buy tickets and support the game, that’s the crown I’d love to wear,” Townsend said.
“Whatever it is, whatever attention it brings, it’s doing the right thing, that’s getting people to see the sport and bring people support, that’s all.”
When asked if she thought the comments were racial, Townsend said she didn’t accept that, but admitted: “It’s a stigma of “not educated” and everything in our community when it’s the furthest fact.”
Townsend even said privately that other players came to her and expressed their support. Online, she gained thousands of social media followers.
“It’s so cool to know that people see you and people watching, and it’s more important than anything,” Townsend said. “I wanted to get some kind of way, and that’s so I handled things the right way, and that’s what I’m most proud and satisfied with. I’m not looking for that, when I decided to talk to me, what I said, I’m not looking for these things, but I’m glad to know people are proud.”
Aryna Sabalenka also resolved the incident, revealing that she spoke with Ostapenko after the bank. “I have to say she’s good,” the Belarusian said. “She gets out of control at times. There are some things to face and some struggles in her life. I just want to help her face it in a mature way, trying to help her settle down, just the people she can talk to, just let go.
“I really hope that one day she can figure out herself out and she will handle it better. I’m pretty sure, looking back, she’s not satisfied with her behavior.”
Ostapenko returned to court Thursday at a Flushing Meadows game and may be concerned about hostile reception in the crowd, but that wasn’t the case, not the cheers rather than the Jeers.
The former French Open champion later refused to fulfill her press obligations and cited medical reasons.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
