Jelena Ostapenko Apologizes for Comment Directed at Taylor Townsend During US Open Match
NEW YORK – Jelena Ostapenko has apologized for a comment made during her second-round singles match at the US Open, where she appeared too suggest to opponent Taylor Townsend that she lacked education. The incident sparked widespread criticism, with Naomi Osaka calling it “one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport.”
Ostapenko initially declined to speak to the media but defended herself on social media, denying racist intent. She later issued a statement on Instagram, saying, “I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match. English is not my native language so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.” She added, “I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a tennis player. Goodbye New york and I look forward to being back next year.”
The exchange occurred during the match, which Townsend ultimately won. Townsend has since become a focal point of the tournament, using the controversy as motivation to achieve a shock third-round victory over fifth seed Mirra Andreeva.
“I’m really just proud that I kept the main thing the main thing,” Townsend said after her win. “I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me over these last 48 hours. It’s bigger than me. It’s about the message, it’s about the depiction, it’s about being bold and being able to show up as yourself, and I did that tonight.”
Townsend revealed she had not received a personal apology from Ostapenko but welcomed the public statement. She emphasized the importance of respecting individual reactions, stating, “You cannot push your expectations on other people.That’s ultimately what happened. she expected for me to react a certain type of way,and I didn’t,and it infuriated her.”
Townsend continued, “Which led her to say things that are hurtful, that are belligerent, that are offensive, not only to me, but to the sport and to a whole culture of people that I try to do my best to represent the best that I can. I really hope from this she can take that,hey,you can’t control people and it’s better just to focus on yourself.”
