Heated drama unfolded at the US Open 2025 on Wednesday when Taylor Townsend’s second-round win over Jelena Ostapenko sparked a fiery courtside clash.
Townsend sealed a strong 7-5, 6-1 win on Court 11, but instead of a routine handshake, the exchange quickly turned sour. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion and 25th seed, pointed at Townsend while accusing her of having “no class” and “no education,” also making a remark about “seeing what happens outside the US.” Their argument continued as they left the net, drawing attention from fans and officials.
Townsend addresses the remarks
Townsend, currently world No. 1 in doubles, later confirmed Ostapenko’s comments. Asked whether she believed there were racial implications, Townsend—who is Black—chose to focus on her game rather than speculation.
“I didn’t take it personally in that way, but there’s always been this stereotype about our community being ‘not educated,’ which is far from the truth,” Townsend said.
“Whether it was meant that way or not, only she can answer. My priority is to keep moving forward in this tournament.”
Ostapenko’s response
In her own defense, Ostapenko released a statement on social media denying racism.
“I have never been racist in my life. I respect every nationality, and for me it doesn’t matter where a person comes from,” she wrote, adding that she had been flooded with messages accusing her of racism.
Ostapenko also suggested the confrontation stemmed from what she considered a breach of tennis etiquette.
“At the beginning of the match, players are supposed to warm up from the baseline. My opponent went directly to the net, which I found disrespectful and against the rules,” she explained.
The dramatic fallout has quickly become one of the most talked-about storylines of the tournament, overshadowing Townsend’s impressive straight-sets win.
