US Open drama: Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko caught in heated exchange after match

Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko clashed after their US Open match, with both players defending their actions.
Pop Culture & Art | August 29, 2025

Photo: AFP

Amid a tense moment at the US Open after Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in their second-round match on Court 11.

Following the handshake, the two players clashed at the sideline, with Ostapenko wagging her finger as they argued.

Townsend explained afterwards that Ostapenko told her she had “no class” and “no education.” 

Asked if she felt the remarks carried racial undertones, Townsend replied: “I didn’t take it in that way, but also, you know, that has been a stigma in our community of being ‘not educated’... So whether it had racial undertones or not, that’s something she can speak on. The only thing that I’m worried about right now is continuing to move forward through this tournament.”

Ostapenko later wrote on social media: “I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world. For me it doesn’t matter where you come from.” She added that Townsend was “disrespectful” for not apologising after a net cord point.

Townsend responded by saying: “It’s competition. People get upset when they lose… She told me I have no education, no class, and to see what happens if we play each other outside of the US I said, ‘I’m excited. Bring it.’ I’ve never been the one to back down from anything like that.”

The American, now ranked No. 1 in doubles, has reached the third round in singles at a Grand Slam for the first time since 2023. At No. 139 in singles, she is also the lowest-ranked American woman to beat a past Grand Slam champion at a major since 2019.

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