SAEDNEWS: Jelena Ostapenko has rejected accusations of racism after a fiery post-match confrontation with Taylor Townsend at the US Open, during which the American said the Latvian told her she had “no class” and “no education.”
According to SaedNews, the incident unfolded after Townsend’s 7-5, 6-1 second-round upset at Flushing Meadows, when the pair engaged in a tense, finger-pointing exchange at the side of the court that drew loud boos from the crowd. Townsend told reporters she had been accused of having “no class” and “no education” and said she would not “back down,” stressing pride in representing her community as a Black woman.
Ostapenko did not take questions immediately after the match but posted on Instagram defending her conduct, saying she had been “disrespected” by Townsend’s behaviour — including not apologising for a net-cord shot — and insisting she was “never racist” and respected people of all nations.
The exchange quickly drew wider coverage and social-media debate, with some users accusing Ostapenko of deploying racist tropes and others urging context and caution until more is known. Major outlets recorded the scene and the players’ statements while video of the confrontation circulated online.
Several players and commentators responded: world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka — while stressing that Ostapenko sometimes “loses control of her emotions” — asked for understanding about how pressure affects on-court behaviour. Tournament officials have not announced any disciplinary action.
