The US Open clash between Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend of the USA turned ugly and led to allegations of racism following a bust-up between the players
Tennis star Jelena Ostapenko has denied allegations that she used racist language during her on-court bust-up with Taylor Townsend at the US Open. Ostapenko, 28, was furious following her 7-5 6-1 second-round defeat to American opponent Townsend, who claimed that she was threatened when they shook hands at the net.
Ostapenko was seen angrily pointing towards the net and then at Townsend. Tensions ramped up as the Latvian put her racket away, as Townsend was heard saying: “You need to learn how to take a loss better.”
The pair then traded verbal blows which couldn’t be heard on the nearby umpire’s mic. Fans at Flushing Meadows began booing as the unsavoury scenes unfolded. Townsend walked off and cupped her ear while Ostapenko was jeered by the crowd.
During a post-match TV interview, Townsend alleged that she was insulted by Ostapenko. “I mean it’s competition. People get upset when they lose. Some people say bad things,” the 29-year-old explained.
“She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the US. I am looking forward to it. I beat her in Canada outside of the US. I beat her in New York. So, let’s see what else she has to say.”
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Some viewers suggested that Ostapenko, who didn’t hold a post-match news conference, had used racially-charged language. Ostapenko denied the claims in a statement posted on Instagram, saying: “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. There are some rules in tennis and unfortunately when the crowd is with you, you can’t use it in a disrespectful way to your opponent.
“Unfortunately for me, coming from such a small country, I don’t have that huge support and a chance to play in my homeland. I always loved to play in the US and US Open but this is the first time someone is approaching the match this disrespectful way.”
Townsend also refused to say that her opponent had been racist. When asked if Ostapenko’s comment regarding a lack of class and education had racial undertones, Townsend replied: “No. I can’t speak on what her intentions were.
“I can only speak on how I handled the situation. How I handled it is someone who is upset about the outcome that occurred. You lost, and you’re upset about that.
“Saying I have no education and no class, I don’t really take that personally because I know it’s so far from the truth. If I allow what other people have to say about me, affect me in that way, then they win. So ultimately no. I stood up for myself.”
She also said: “I’m very proud as a black woman being out here representing myself and representing us and our culture. I make sure that I do everything that I can to be the best representation possible every time that I step on the court and even off the court.
“So I can’t speak on how she felt about it. That’s something that you’re going to have to ask her. I didn’t take it in that way, but also, that has been a stigma in our community of being not educated and all of the things when it’s the furthest thing from the truth.”