US Open Clash: Ostapenko and Townsend in Heated Row After Second-Round Match
Tensions flared at the US Open as Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend became embroiled in a heated post-match exchange following their second-round encounter on Court 11. Townsend, the world’s top-ranked doubles player, stunned 25th seed Ostapenko with a 7-5, 6-1 victory, but the drama did not end with the final point. A net cord in Townsend’s favour sparked controversy, with Ostapenko accusing her opponent of poor sportsmanship for failing to apologise. The dispute carried into the handshake and escalated into a courtside argument, with both players trading barbed remarks.
Townsend later revealed that Ostapenko told her she had “no education” and “no class,” even suggesting there could be consequences if they met off the court. The American hit back immediately, refusing to back down and telling her rival to “take the L [loss],” a moment picked up by on-court microphones. Townsend then ignited the New York crowd with a raucous celebration, drawing loud cheers as Ostapenko departed to boos. Speaking afterwards, Townsend insisted she acted respectfully and said she would not allow herself to be insulted without defending her integrity.
Ostapenko, a former French Open champion known for her fiery temperament, took to Instagram to accuse Townsend of being “very disrespectful.” She argued that most players follow the unwritten rule of apologising for net cords and insisted this was the first time in her career an opponent had ignored it. “If she plays in her homeland, it doesn’t mean she can behave and do whatever she wants,” Ostapenko wrote. The Latvian, who has previously been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, added that she felt Townsend had disregarded the traditions of the sport.
Asked if she believed Ostapenko’s comments had a racial undertone, Townsend, who is African-American, dismissed the suggestion but acknowledged the harmful stereotype implied. “That has been a stigma in our community of being not educated,” she explained. “But whether it had racial undertones or not, that’s something she can speak on.” Townsend stressed she did not take the insult personally, confident in her own character and accomplishments.
Ostapenko later issued another statement on social media, firmly rejecting any suggestion of racism. “I was never racist in my life,” she wrote. “I respect all nations of people in the world. For me, it doesn’t matter where you come from.” While both players attempted to downplay the fallout, the heated exchange has added an explosive narrative to the US Open, ensuring that their clash will be remembered as much for the off-court drama as for the result itself.
