Tensions flared at the US Open when Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko engaged in a heated confrontation following their second-round match. Townsend stunned the Latvian with a 7-5, 6-1 victory, but the drama truly began after the final point.
At the net, what should have been a routine handshake quickly escalated into a tense verbal exchange. Ostapenko wagged her finger at Townsend, sparking a reaction from the American, who rallied support from the crowd on Court 11 as fans roared in her favor.
Ostapenko later explained that she felt disrespected during the match. She cited specific incidents, including Townsend not apologizing for a net-cord winner and beginning her warm-up at the net instead of the baseline. According to Ostapenko, such actions went against tennis etiquette and disrupted the expected flow of the match.
Townsend, however, offered a very different perspective. She revealed that Ostapenko insulted her during the handshake, claiming she was told she had “no class, no education” and warning her to “see what happens outside the US.” Townsend suggested the remarks were more about frustration than anything else, pointing to the upset result. “It’s competition,” she said. “People get upset when they lose.”
When pressed about whether Ostapenko’s words carried racial undertones, Townsend, who is Black, chose not to speculate but acknowledged the painful history of such stereotypes in her community. She emphasized her focus on advancing in the tournament rather than dwelling on the exchange.
Ostapenko later issued a strong denial of any racist intent, insisting she has “never been racist” and respects all people regardless of their background. Still, the fallout has drawn attention on social media, with fans and commentators debating the nature of her remarks.
This is not the first time Ostapenko has clashed with an opponent. She has previously been accused of gamesmanship and fiery behavior on court, traits that have divided fans and fellow players alike.
For Townsend, the victory was a significant step forward in her singles campaign. Currently ranked outside the top 100 in singles but holding the world No 1 spot in doubles, she now faces fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in the third round. The American will be looking to keep her momentum going, while the heated fallout with Ostapenko lingers in the background.
