Leading figures in women`s tennis have criticized Latvian player Jelena Ostapenko for her sharp remarks directed at opponent Taylor Townsend. The incident garnered significant attention for Townsend at the US Open, while Ostapenko now faces numerous accusations of racism.
Latvian tennis player Jelena Ostapenko lost her match against African American Taylor Townsend with a score of 7:5, 6:1. After the match, the two players had a heated discussion at the net. Both later explained the nature of their altercation. Ostapenko accused Townsend of violating unwritten but established rules of on-court conduct. Specifically, she noted that Townsend warmed up at the net rather than the baseline, as is customary, and also failed to apologize after the ball touched the net during a rally, which typically warrants an apology. Ostapenko ultimately shouted at Taylor: «You have no class and no education,» adding, «We`ll see what happens when we play outside the USA,» suggesting that Townsend`s behavior was influenced by playing on home soil.
These comments, however, were widely perceived by both the public and many fellow tennis players as an act of racism. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka commented on Ostapenko`s remarks, calling them «one of the worst statements a Black player can hear in a sport where the overwhelming majority of players are white.» Ostapenko later apologized, asserting that the accusations of racism against her were unfounded.
Expert Commentary
Pavel Nitkin, editor of the `Tennis` section at Sports portal, offered his commentary:
Pavel Nitkin
Editor, `Tennis` Section, Sports Portal
«It`s unlikely there was such an undertone, because all these people – American commentators who talk about this, including [Naomi] Osaka, who grew up in the USA – have their own perspective on it. Ostapenko, I`m sure, didn`t even think she wanted to make a jab [in the context of racism]; she simply wanted to stir up a little scandal. It happens.»
Such incidents are not uncommon for Jelena Ostapenko, who is known for her fiery temperament. In the past, she has frequently been involved in controversies: using foul language on court, smashing rackets, provoking conflicts with referees, and refusing to shake opponents` hands. For instance, at a tournament in Rome in 2023, Elena Rybakina`s coach complained that Ostapenko had, to put it mildly, called his protégé a «woman of questionable morals.»
This time, however, the Latvian athlete made a double miscalculation, according to Mikhail Ivanov, editor-in-chief of Tennis Weekend magazine:
Mikhail Ivanov
Editor-in-Chief, Tennis Weekend Magazine
«In America, every word carries significant weight. It`s a country where a few words can cost millions if your opponent has a good lawyer. So, there`s nothing surprising here. But if Townsend had been another, white tennis player, perhaps nothing like this would have happened, even if Ostapenko had uttered the same words. Skin color holds immense importance. Townsend is an African American. Therefore, anything Ostapenko says against her will be amplified two or three times. So, undoubtedly, Ostapenko dug herself into a deep hole.»
Interestingly, Townsend herself did not perceive racism in Ostapenko`s post-match comments. The player stated: «I didn`t take it as a manifestation of racism. Although lack of education was once a stigma for the Black community, it has nothing to do with reality now. Whether there was a racial undertone in her comments or not, only she knows. I`m just glad I let my racket do the talking.»
Nevertheless, the scandal made headlines on CNN, and The New York Post hailed Townsend as «the face, voice, and conscience of the tournament.» The first-round doubles match featuring world No. 139 Taylor Townsend attracted a record number of spectators.
