Naomi Osaka Condemns Ostapenko’s Remarks Toward Taylor Townsend

Heated Clash at the US Open

Latvian tennis star Jelena Ostapenko sparked controversy during her US Open second-round defeat to American Taylor Townsend on Wednesday. After losing 7-5, 6-1, Ostapenko accused Townsend of failing to apologize for a net cord point and went on to call her opponent “no class” and “no education.”

Townsend Responds to the Remarks

Townsend dismissed any racial intent but acknowledged the weight of such language. “I didn’t take it that way, but calling Black athletes ‘uneducated’ has always been a harmful stereotype. It’s a stigma in our community,” she explained.

Ostapenko Denies Racism Allegations

In an Instagram statement, Ostapenko insisted her comments had no racist undertones and were said in the heat of competition.

Osaka Speaks Out

Former world number one Naomi Osaka strongly criticized Ostapenko’s remarks, calling them “one of the worst things you could say to a Black tennis player in a predominantly white sport.” She emphasized that the insult carried a painful historical context in America, adding: “It’s terrible, the worst timing, and the worst person she could have said it to.”

Defending Taylor Townsend

Osaka praised Townsend’s character, saying: “She’s the furthest thing from uneducated. She’s intelligent, dedicated, and resilient.” Osaka expressed hope that Ostapenko had learned from the incident and would avoid repeating such words in the future.

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FAQs

What did Jelena Ostapenko say to Taylor Townsend?

Ostapenko told Townsend she had “no class” and “no education” after their US Open match.

Why was the comment controversial?

The phrase “uneducated” has historically been used as a racial stereotype against Black athletes, making it especially offensive.

How did Taylor Townsend react?

Townsend said she didn’t take the comment as racist but acknowledged its connection to harmful stereotypes.

What was Ostapenko’s response?

Ostapenko denied any racist intent, claiming the remarks were made in frustration.

What did Naomi Osaka say?

Osaka condemned the remarks, stressing they were deeply inappropriate and praising Townsend’s intelligence and resilience.