Ostapenko Clarifies Post-Match Comments, Cites Language Barrier
NEW YORK – Latvian tennis player Alona Ostapenko addressed controversy stemming from comments made after her second-round loss at the US Open on Wednesday, attributing a misunderstanding to the fact that English is not her native language. The clarification came Saturday following accusations of racist remarks directed toward opponent Taylor Townsend.
Ostapenko, ranked 26th in the WTA, lost to Townsend 5-7, 1-6. The ensuing dispute arose from Ostapenko’s post-match assessment of Townsend’s on-court behavior, which she characterized using a term that was widely interpreted as derogatory. The incident sparked immediate backlash, prompting Ostapenko to issue an apology and explain her intended meaning.
“English is not my mother tongue,and with the word ‘Education‘ I only mean tennis etiquette in my understanding,but I understand that the use of such words can touch people outside the court,” Ostapenko posted on social media.
She further explained that her comments were in response to Townsend’s perceived lack of respect – specifically,not apologizing for a ball that hit Ostapenko during a crucial moment,and beginning her warm-up on the court itself rather than at the end line,a common practice.
Ostapenko concluded the tournament with 70 WTA points.Townsend is currently ranked 139th in the world.