US EditionJelena Ostapenko Apologizes for Comments Made During Heated US Open Match Against Taylor Townsend
Ostapenko apologized on social media, explaining her comments were about tennis etiquette; the incident drew widespread criticism and support, with Townsend's Instagram followers doubling, officials said.
- On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Jelena Ostapenko apologized on social media for telling Taylor Townsend she had `no education` and `no class` after their 2025 U.S. Open second-round match in New York City.
- The dispute grew out of a net-cord point and Ostapenko said her anger stemmed from Townsend not apologizing and warming up at the net, which she called disrespectful.
- In an Instagram post, Ostapenko wrote, `I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said during my second round singles match` and added, `English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking about what I believe was tennis etiquette.`
- The comments prompted a social media backlash accusing Ostapenko of racism, while Townsend advanced to the fourth round and grew her Instagram following to 267,000.
- Reactions split within the tennis world, as tennis community reactions divided with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faulting Ostapenko's temper while others condemned her language, intensifying debate about sportsmanship and racial sensitivity at the U.S. Open.
91 Articles
91 Articles
Black America Web
Venus Williams Weighs In As Ostapenko Formally Apologizes To Taylor Townsend For “No Class” Comment
Tensions were high during the U.S. Open last week after American Taylor Townsend took on a higher-ranked Latvian Jelena Ostapenko. During the second round, Townsend pulled off an unexpected victory (7-5, 6-1). However, Ostapenko had a sore-loser moment as they shook hands at the net and could be seen having a heated conversation. Afterward, Townsend revealed that Ostapenko told her she has “no class” and “no education.” 26th-ranked Ostapenko se…
Taylor Townsend Responds After Jelena Ostapenko Blames Language Barrier For Us Open Remarks
Taylor Townsend has responded to Jelena Ostapenko’s public apology following their on-court quarrel after their US Open match this week. Jelena has been facing a lot of heat for her comments, telling Taylor she had “no class, no education” following her win. Even the likes of Naomi Osaka have shared their reactions to the now-viral moment. But Jelena is now coming forward again to clarify things with a new Instagram post, which Taylor has since …
Sparks fly as Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko get personal
While the weather forecast for Flushing Meadows was cool and breezy, the temperature on Court 11 was anything but, thanks to a fiery on-court exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko. The match in question saw home favourite and world No 139, Townsend, take on world No 25 Ostapenko of Latvia. Serving rhythm The first set was a tight affair. Ostapenko played a strong return game, coming forward to take the American’s serve early. The…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
