Amid a thrilling opening to the 2025 US Open, Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend stole headlines after their second-round match. The argument between the two went viral after Townsend topped Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in straight sets, which opened up discussions about whether Ostapenko's behavior had “racial undertones.” After claiming “how many messages I received that I am a racist,” the WTA No. 25 took to her Instagram to officially address the narrative and speak up on her own behalf.
“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,” she posted online.
“There are some rules in tennis which most of the players follow, and it was (the) first time ever that this happened to me on tour,” Ostapenko added. “If she plays in her homeland, it doesn't mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants.”
The dramatic situation began after the two concluded their match at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Wednesday. Ostapenko and Townsend met at the net for the customary handshake, but that's where the pleasantries ended. The two got into a heated exchange that also saw Ostapenko wag her finger at Townsend while speaking, and the latter later revealed what was said between the two.
“She told me I have no education, no class, and to see what happens if we play each other outside of the US,” Townsend said, according to ESPN. She then explained how she reacted in response. “I said, ‘I'm excited. Bring it.' I've never been the one to back down from anything like that.”
“The thing that I'm the most proud of is that I let my racket talk… she's packed up and she's gone.”Taylor Townsend didn't mince words following her upset win over Jelena Ostapenko in the 2nd round of the US Open 👀pic.twitter.com/6Jca26uzbi https://t.co/o4zO4tIrM4— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 28, 2025
Ostapenko was ahead for most of the first set and almost took it, making it to 5-3, but she was broken in her next two service games, and Townsend moved ahead to 7-5. After taking the opening set, Townsend ran away with the second and ended up with the overall win. Ostapenko has been known to butt heads with opponents before, resulting in Townsend's mostly nonchalant response to the interaction.
“It's competition. People get upset when they lose,” the WTA No. 1-ranked doubles player said. “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 US, I'm looking forward to it. I beat her in Canada, outside the US, so let's see what she has to say.”
Ostapenko also stated that her opponent did her pre-match warmup at the net instead of at the baseline, which most players choose to do. However, Townsend mentioned that she's made a habit of starting her warmups by volleying at the net and has been doing so for years, seemingly dismissing Ostapenko's complaints.
The pair have faced off in both singles and doubles before, and it's highly likely that they'll be face-to-face on the court at some point in the future. Ostapenko hasn't been fully forthcoming about her personal feelings since tempers flared, but Townsend made it publicly known where she now stands.
“There's never been any history. I don't know how she feels about me, but there's no beef on my side,” she concluded, dropping the mic on the matter.
