Townsend Details Post-Match Confrontation with Ostapenko Following US Open Incident
NEW YORK – Following her contentious third-round match against Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open, Taylor Townsend revealed she confronted the Latvian player in the locker room, stating she told Ostapenko, “Don’t you ever put your finger in my face.” The incident on court, which drew important attention, occurred during Townsend’s 6-4, 7-6(5) victory on Friday.
Townsend explained she initially focused on maintaining composure during the match itself, prioritizing respectful dialog despite the escalating tension. “I was going to be honest and not disrespectful but be like ‘don’t you ever put your finger in my face’,” Townsend said, referencing the specific action that prompted her reaction. While proud of her verbal restraint on court, a subsequent review of the footage highlighted a reciprocal gesture from Townsend. “I was proud of the way I handled myself with my words, but when I watched it again I was like you are pointing at me like I am a child, don’t you ever put your finger in my face again.”
The exchange threatens to overshadow Townsend’s impressive run at Flushing Meadows, where she reached the quarterfinals in mixed doubles and finished as runner-up in women’s doubles alongside leylah Fernandez. Despite the controversy, Townsend’s overall performance at the tournament has been lauded, including victories over Antonia Ruzic and Mirra Andreeva in singles play before falling to Barbora Krejcikova. The incident with Ostapenko, however, has sparked wider discussion about on-court conduct and player interactions within the WTA.
