Racism At The US Open? Ostapenko's 'No Class... No Education' Comment To Townsend Sparks Outrage

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 08:16 IST

Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko at the U.S. Open, sparking a heated courtside argument and accusations of disrespect, with Ostapenko denying any racist intent.

Ostapenko confronted Townsend after her loss at the 2025 US Open (AFP)

Tensions flared at the U.S. Open on Wednesday when American Taylor Townsend and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko engaged in a heated courtside argument following their second-round match.

Townsend powered through to a 7-5, 6-1 victory on Court 11, but the drama only intensified after the final handshake.

Instead of separating, the pair lingered near the net. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion and seeded 25th in New York, wagged her finger at Townsend during a fiery exchange that spilled onto the sideline.

“No Class" Accusation

Townsend, currently ranked world No. 1 in doubles, revealed Ostapenko told her she had “no class" and “no education." Asked whether she felt the remarks carried racial undertones, Townsend—who is Black—gave a measured response.

“I didn’t take it in that way, but also, you know, that has been a stigma in our community of being ‘not educated’ and all of the things, when it’s the furthest thing from the truth," she said.

“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."

Townsend added that Ostapenko also warned her: “See what happens if we play outside of the U.S." Her reply? “I said, ‘I’m excited. Bring it.’ I’ve never been the one to back down from anything like that."

Ostapenko Defends Herself

Later, Ostapenko took to social media after receiving what she described as “many messages" labeling her racist.

“I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world," she wrote. “For me it doesn’t matter where you come from."

She further explained her anger stemmed from what she considered disrespect: Townsend failed to acknowledge a net cord winner.

“There are some rules in tennis which most players follow… it was the first time ever this happened to me on tour," Ostapenko posted.

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 08:16 IST

News sports Racism At The US Open? Ostapenko's 'No Class... No Education' Comment To Townsend Sparks Outrage

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