Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff respond to Jelena Ostapenko’s Taylor Townsend remarks at US Open

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff condemned Jelena Ostapenko’s comments about Taylor Townsend during the US Open.

Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff have spoken out following Jelena Ostapenko’s row with Taylor Townsend at the US Open.

The incident unfolded after their second-round match, when Ostapenko accused Townsend of having “no education” and “no class.”

Ostapenko said her remarks were a reaction to Townsend not apologising for a shot that clipped the net cord, but the words prompted accusations of racism.

She denied those claims on social media, while Townsend said she did not view the comments in that way. Osaka, however, was critical of the Latvian’s choice of words.

“I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport,” Osaka said. “I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked and I know how smart she is, so she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that.”

Coco Gauff also defended Townsend, pointing to her long-standing approach to warming up at the net. “That shouldn’t have been said, regardless of how you feel,” Gauff said, adding that Townsend is “one of the kindest people” she has met.

Gauff said she disliked seeing Townsend portrayed negatively, emphasising that she is a mother, a talented athlete and a supportive friend.

Osaka further noted that Ostapenko’s conduct was consistent with her reputation but said the timing and target of her comments made them particularly harmful.

Aryna Sabalenka also commented on the controversy, revealing she spoke with Ostapenko after the match. She described her as someone who can lose control but expressed hope that she would handle situations differently in the future.

Despite concerns over fan reaction, Ostapenko returned for doubles on Thursday to cheers rather than jeers from the crowd. She skipped her post-match press duties, with organisers citing medical reasons.