The world’s best tennis players are in New York City for the next two weeks, as they’re participating in the US Open. The year’s final Grand Slam is often called “The People’s Slam” because of the friendly, fan-focused atmosphere around the grounds.
The US Open is often a celebration of all the best parts of tennis, with players expressing themselves through their outfits and engaging with their supporters in a fun, lively environment. Players often talk about how much they love playing in New York, and how they enjoy ending the year with a fun event in Queens.
Unfortunately, one early-round match ended in controversy. Two players exchanged words in a heated discussion after the match, and one player noted some serious disrespect from their opponent.
What Happened at the US Open?
American Taylor Townsend faced No. 25 seed Jelena Ostapenko in the second round on Wednesday. It was a big win for Townsend, knocking off a seeded player and advancing ot the next round at her home Grand Slam.
After the match, Townsend yelled out in celebration and began embracing the crowd that supported her during the victory. Cameras caught the two players as they met for the post-match handshake. Ostapenko appeared to say something to Townsend that caught her off guard, and cameras showed the losing player wagging her finger at the winner.
Following the exchange, Townsend spoke with an ESPN reporter on the court.
“It’s competition, people get upset when they lose. Some people say bad things. She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S,” Townsend said.
“I’m looking forward to it. I beat her in Canada, outside the U.S., I beat her in New York, [inside] the U.S., so let’s see what else she has to say.”
How Did Each Player React After the Match?
Some suggested that Ostapenko’s comments were racist in nature, as Townsend is Black. The winner pushed back against this assertion after the match, but acknowledged how those comments could have been seen in such a way.
“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,” Townsend 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.”
Ostapenko responded to the controversy after the match, saying “I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world. For me it doesn’t matter where you come from.”
The losing player said that her issue was with Townsend not apologizing for winning a point after help from the net cord. Ostapenko said that this was an unwritten rule among players, and that this was the first time in her experience on tour that another player did not follow the proper etiquette.
“If she plays in her homeland, it doesn’t mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants,” said the No. 25 seed.
Townsend will move on to the third round as she looks to improve on her best Grand Slam performance as a singles player since 2023.
