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Taylor Townsend has responded to Jelena Ostapenkos public apology following their on-court quarrel after their US Open match this week. Jelena has been facing a lot of heat for her comments, telling Taylor she had no class, no education” following her win. Even the likes of Naomi Osaka have shared their reactions to the now-viral moment. But Jelena is now coming forward again to clarify things with a new Instagram post, which Taylor has since reacted to. Heres what happened
Jelena Ostapenko tried to clear things up with an Instagram Stories post on Saturday, August 30, after her second-round singles match at the US Open turned into a viral moment. The Latvian player caught heat for reportedly telling Taylor Townsend she had no class, no education during a heated exchange. In her apology, Jelena claimed a language barrier was to blame, writing:
Hi all – I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match, she wrote. English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court. I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a tennis player. Goodbye New York and I look forward to being back next year.
Taylor, fresh off her third-round win against Mirra Andreeva, still kept it classy but didnt hold back when asked about Jelenas apology. In a post-match press conference, Taylor acknowledged the gesture but made it clear she wasnt fully letting it slide. Thats nice that she apologized. I mean, thats fine, thats cool. At the end of the day, I think its a learning lesson for her, she said.
Taylor wasn’t done yet, though, as she addressed the root of their on-court clash. She expected me to react a certain type of way, and I didnt, and it infuriated her, she explained. That led her to say things that were hurtful, belligerent, and offensive. Not only to me, but to the sport and a whole culture of people that I try to represent the best I can.
And apparently, this wasnt Jelenas first rodeo with a viral incident. Taylor dropped some tea, noting that it’s apparently been multiple occasions where Jelena has gotten upset about a net cord. She added that Jelena’s misconduct didn’t actually surprise her, given her history. See the video below.
Naomi Osaka was one of many tennis players who spoke out in defense of Taylor after the on-court argument. She addressed the incident right after her win over Hailey Baptiste on Thursday, August 28. Naomi noted the viral moment was replayed on TV like, every 15 minutes, and it had her heated. I think obviously its one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority white sport, she said.
Naomi, whose father is Haitian, went on to praise Taylor and her commitment to the sport while further denouncing Jelena’s remarks. I know how hard shes worked and how smart she is, so thats the furthest thing from uneducated, she said. Naomi also hinted that Jelenas got a history of wild comments, adding, I dont think thats the craziest thing shes said, if Im being honest.
She wrapped it up with a subtle jab, saying, I dont know if she knows the history of it in America, but I know shes never gonna say that ever again. It was just terrible. Thats just really bad.”
