NEW YORK — After winning her second-round match 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday, Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko engaged in a direct confrontation on the sideline of Court 11.
Townsend, an American ranked No. 1 in doubles, reported that Ostapenko, the Latvian who clinched the 2017 French Open title, accused her of having «no class» and «no education.»
A reporter inquired if Townsend, who is Black, believed there were racist implications behind those remarks.
«I didn’t perceive it that way, but it is true that this stigma exists in our community regarding being ‘uneducated’ and various other stereotypes, when in fact it’s the complete opposite,» Townsend replied.
«So whether or not there were racial implications, that’s for her to comment on,» Townsend stated. «The only thing I’m focused on right now is progressing further in this tournament.»
She went on social media to share what she described as, «Just a small update about the match.»
She claimed that Townsend was «disrespectful» for not apologizing after benefiting from a net cord during a rally.
Ajla Tomljanovic at Wimbledon. Tomljanovic accused Ostapenko of being dishonest about needing to take a medical timeout for an abdominal issue.
Recently, Townsend ascended to the top of the WTA doubles standings. However, this marks her first instance of reaching the third round in singles at a Grand Slam event since 2023.
In singles, Townsend holds the No. 139 rank. She is the lowest-ranked American woman to defeat a former Grand Slam champion in singles at a major since Kristie Ahn triumphed over — you guessed it — Ostapenko at the 2019 US Open.
«The aspect I’m most proud of is that I allowed my racket to do the talking. Ultimately, I’m the one here, sitting in front of you all, advancing to the next round, collecting the next paycheck, and continuing to be here to converse with you all, and that’s what truly matters,» Townsend remarked on Wednesday. «She’s packed up and left.»
