Taylor Townsend has responded to Jelena Ostapenko’s 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. Here’s what happened…
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Jelena Ostapenko Apologizes, Saying English Is “Not My Native Language”
Jelena Ostapenko tried to clear things 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 Townsend Reacts To Jelena’s Apology
Taylor, fresh off her third-round win against Mirra Andreeva, still kept it classy but didn’t hold back when asked about Jelena’s apology. In a post-match press conference, Taylor acknowledged the gesture but made it clear she wasn’t fully letting it slide. “That’s nice that she apologized. I mean, that’s fine, that’s cool. At the end of the day, I think it’s 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 didn’t, 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 wasn’t Jelena’s first rodeo with a viral incident. Taylor dropped some tea, noting, it’s apparently been multiple occasions where she 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 Defends Taylor Townsend Over Jelena Ostapenko US Open Quarrel
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 it’s 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 she’s worked and how smart she is, so that’s the furthest thing from uneducated,” she said. Naomi also hinted that Jelena’s got a history of wild comments, adding, “I don’t think that’s the craziest thing she’s said, if I’m being honest.”
She wrapped it up with a subtle jab, saying: “I don’t know if she knows the history of it in America, but I know she’s never gonna say that ever again. It was just terrible. That’s just really bad,” Osaka continued.
Naomi Osaka on the Taylor Townsend & Jelena Ostapenko situation at U.S. Open:
“It’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport.”
“I think it’s ill timing and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don’t know if… pic.twitter.com/EQ6c5sIYIX
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025
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