It was a routine second-round match at the US Open 2025 as American Taylor Townsend defeated Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 until the post-match handshake happened. Both the parties entered into a fierce verbal exchange, becoming one of the tournament’s most talked-about moments.
The verbal spat in which Ostapenko called Townsend “No Class… No Education…” has become the center of controversy with many accusing the Latvian player of racism.
A Tense Ending to a Dominant Win at US Open
Townsend, ranked outside the top 100 in singles but currently World No. 1 in doubles, put on a commanding performance against the 25th-seeded Ostapenko. Backed by a lively home crowd, Townsend dictated play with aggressive shot-making and relentless energy.
But the tension didn’t end with the final point. What should have been a standard handshake at the net turned into a confrontation, as Ostapenko gestured angrily and exchanged sharp words with Townsend. The crowd, already vocal throughout the match, erupted in support of the American.
Ostapenko: “She Showed No Respect”
In her post-match comments, Ostapenko expressed frustration with Townsend’s conduct throughout the match.
“There are certain traditions and courtesies that most players respect,” Ostapenko said. “She started the warm-up hitting volleys at the net, which isn’t how it’s supposed to be done. Then there was a net cord winner she didn’t apologize for. I told her it was disrespectful.”
The 2017 French Open champion added, “Playing in front of a home crowd doesn’t mean you ignore the norms of the sport.”
Ostapenko later took to Instagram to respond to growing backlash, particularly over a reported comment in which she accused Townsend of lacking “class” and “education.”
“I have never been racist in my life,” she wrote. “I respect all people equally, regardless of background. My comments were strictly about sportsmanship and nothing more.”
Taylor Townsend Responds: “She Told Me to Wait Until I Leave the US”
Townsend, for her part, acknowledged the tense exchange and shared what Ostapenko allegedly told her at the net.
“She told me I have no class, no education, and that I should wait until I leave the US to see what happens,” Townsend said. “I’ve beaten her before outside the States-like in Canada- so we’ll see how she handles that. Honestly, I think she’s just upset she lost.”
Townsend declined to directly label the incident as racially motivated but did not ignore the implications.
“Calling someone uneducated can hit differently in the Black community,” she noted. “There’s a historical stereotype tied to that. Whether she meant it in that context or not is up to her to clarify.”
Still, Townsend made clear she’s not letting the drama derail her focus:
“It’s a competition. People don’t always handle losing well. I’m just focused on the next round.”
Online Backlash
As footage of the handshake and quotes from the press conferences spread online, debate quickly erupted. Social media users accused Ostapenko of racism.
The racial undertone is real. Historically, calling a Black athlete “uneducated” or “classless” has been a coded way to demean them.
This is not ok!
Ostapenko lost the match (another one), and she absolutely lost the respect battle here. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/9tvchKWi2q
— Kenny Saint-Vil, MBA (@kennysaintvil) August 28, 2025
Telling a Black athlete she has “no education” is racism, plain and simple. Jelena Ostapenko hurled that insult at Taylor Townsend after her victory. But Taylor has worked, studied, and sacrificed her way into greatness. Her win wasn’t just about advancing to the next round, it… pic.twitter.com/vzL5ziclRX
— Areva Martin, Esq. (@ArevaMartin) August 29, 2025
Also Read: Naomi Osaka Stuns In Blingy Red Outfit At US Open
Support for Townsend
Players including Naomi Osaka has sharply criticised Ostapenk, condemning the comments as ‘terrible’.
“I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority white sport,” the four-time grand slam champion said.
Ben Shelton, also slammed Ostapenko’s choice of words, adding his voice to the growing backlash. “Some shocking comments towards (Townsend), and not the smartest thing to say to an American in New York City,” Shelton said. “Kind of speaks for itself, right? Crazy. Crazy statement.”
