Ostapenko ‘no education’ comments terrible – Osaka

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

Naomi Osaka, the ex-world number one, claims that Jelena Ostapenko’s statement to Taylor Townsend, “one of the worst things you could say to a black tennis player,” was “one of the worst things you could say to a black tennis player.”

After Townsend beat Latvia’s Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday in the US Open second round, the Latvian fought back with her.

The comments made by Ostapenko, who claimed Townsend did not apologize after a net cord blew in her favor, have drawn criticism.

Ostapenko’s comments have a racial undertone, according to Townsend, who added, “I didn’t take it that way, but it has also had a stigma in our community of being not educated, when it’s the furthest thing from the truth.”

In a Wednesday Instagram post, Ostapenko, who won the French Open, denied any racism.

Japan’s four-time major champion, Osaka, responded, “I think it’s ill timing and the worst person you could have ever said it to.”

She said, “I don’t know if she is familiar with its history in America. But I am certain that she will never repeat that statement in her lifetime. Simply put, terrible.

In a sport with a majority of white players, “I think it’s one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player.”

American third-seed Coco Gauff, who has frequently spoken out against racism, claimed Ostapenko was wrong to use those words in reference to Townsend.

“I believe it was a moment-sensitive situation. Jelena, who is now 21 years old, added Gauff, adding that she was probably feeling emotions after losing.

Given that, I do believe that shouldn’t have been said, regardless of how you feel, especially given that she stated those things.

She is the opposite of Taylor, according to Taylor’s personal experience.

Ostapenko lost on Thursday in the women’s doubles, but organizers blamed illness for her inability to media.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s number one, claimed she had spoken with Ostapenko to “help her face it more in a mature way” after winning on Wednesday night.

She “can lose control,” according to Sabalenka. She has challenges and struggles in life.

She simply needed someone to talk to and let go of her feelings, as I did when she first started to settle down.