NEW YORK — Taylor Townsend expressed that she has garnered support from fellow players following the on-court altercation with Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open on Wednesday, during which Ostapenko reportedly accused Townsend of having “no class” and “no education” — and Townsend is proud of her response to the incident.
On Thursday, Townsend mentioned that she had not heard from Ostapenko, a Latvian player, since their second-round singles clash, which concluded with Ostapenko scolding Townsend, who is Black, for failing to apologize for a net cord and subsequently using derogatory language to question Townsend’s intelligence and character.
Townsend, an American and the world No. 1 in doubles, addressed the media on Thursday following her first-round doubles victory alongside partner Katerina Siniakova. In contrast, Ostapenko, who was eliminated in her first-round doubles match with partner Barbora Krejcikova on Thursday, skipped her press conference, citing «medical reasons.»
Naomi Osaka, offered her support to Townsend on Thursday.
«Clearly, it’s one of the most inappropriate things you can say to a Black tennis player within a predominantly white sport,» stated Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion whose father hails from Haiti and mother from Japan. «And honestly, I know Taylor, I recognize how much effort she’s put in, and I’m aware of her intelligence; thus, she is the exact opposite of uneducated or anything of the sort.»
Osaka noted that replays of the confrontation between Ostapenko and Townsend have been shown «on the TV, like, every 15 minutes.»
Ostapenko has faced disputes with fellow competitors previously.
«I don’t believe that’s the most outrageous thing she’s ever said, to be truthful,» Osaka remarked. «I find the timing unfortunate and it’s directed at the worst possible person. And I’m unsure if [Ostapenko] understands the historical context in America, but I know she will never make that remark again in her life.
«… It was utterly awful. Just truly unacceptable.»
Townsend was queried on Wednesday if she perceived any racial implications in Ostapenko’s remarks.
«I didn’t interpret it that way, but also, you know, there’s been a long-standing stereotype in our community regarding ‘lack of education’ and so forth, when the reality is, that’s the least accurate depiction,» Townsend reflected.
«So, whether it had racial nuances or not, that’s something she should address. The singular focus I have now is to continue advancing in this tournament.»
«It’s perfectly fine to advocate for yourself. It’s perfectly fine to confront individuals about their nonsense. I apologize for this, but sometimes, I feel like in society, particularly among people of color, we are often expected to remain quiet, or there are times when we need to be very strategic about when we voice our concerns. In moments like these, it’s crucial for me to speak out, not just for myself, but for my culture.»
Taylor Townsend
Ostapenko shared on social media on Wednesday that she had received numerous messages claiming «that I am a racist.»
«I have NEVER been racist in my life and I hold respect for all people from every nation in the world,» Ostapenko wrote. «For me, it doesn’t matter your origin.»
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka stated that she spoke with Ostapenko following the match and attempted to «calm her down.»
«I must say that she’s a nice person,» Sabalenka commented. «She just occasionally loses control. She has certain challenges in her life and battles to handle. … I believe that she sometimes struggles to manage her emotions, which is rather difficult.
«I truly hope that one day she can find herself, and manage things much more effectively.»
Coco Gauff also suggested that Ostapenko’s emotions likely erupted in the «heat of the moment,» but added that she should not have made those comments.
«Having known Taylor personally, she’s the complete opposite of that. She’s one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever encountered. Whenever I’ve faced a tough situation on the court, she’s been reaching out, checking in on how I’m doing,» Gauff expressed. «So yes, it really saddens me to see that. Perhaps this is some people’s first introduction to who Taylor Townsend is, and I don’t wish that to define her, as she offers so much more than that. She’s a mother, a wonderful friend, an exceptional tennis player, and a good person.»
Townsend shared that she felt the warmth from the New York crowd, who gathered at Grandstand Court to support her doubles match with Siniakova.
«I don’t believe I’ve ever had as many viewers for a first-round doubles match in my entire life,» Townsend remarked. «So, that’s very exhilarating and I anticipate that it will continue to grow as we progress through the tournament.»
Townsend mentioned she wasn’t seeking «external affirmation,» but aimed to demonstrate to others, «It’s acceptable to be unapologetically yourself.»
«It’s acceptable to advocate for yourself,» Townsend stated. «It’s acceptable to confront people regarding their nonsense. I apologize for saying this, but I sometimes sense that in society, especially for individuals of color, we are anticipated to remain quiet, or there are instances where we must be very calculated about when we express ourselves.
«In these instances, it’s vital for me to speak out, not exclusively for myself, but for my culture. And as I mentioned in my press conference yesterday, I bear that responsibility and take it quite earnestly. Not only through the words I use and the statements I make, but also through how I present myself, my actions, as well.»
