The 2025 US Open served up more than just tennis drama on court when American star Taylor Townsend clashed with Jelena Ostapenko during their post-match handshake.
Townsend stunned the Latvian 7-5, 6-1 in a fiery second-round battle, but it was what happened afterward that sparked headlines.
Speaking to reporters, Townsend revealed that Ostapenko hurled a shocking comment at her during the handshake.
“She told me I have no education, no class,” Townsend said. “Whether it had racial undertones…that’s something she could speak on. I let my racket talk. She’s packed up and gone, I’m here. I don’t take any offense…I’m proud of the way I handled myself.”
The exchange quickly went viral, with fans debating whether Ostapenko’s words crossed the line and questioning the tension between the two competitors.
Townsend, however, emphasized her focus on performance rather than drama: “At the end of the day, I showed my tennis on the court. That’s what matters.”
Ostapenko swiftly denied any racist intent, insisting her remarks were about etiquette, not race, and calling out Townsend’s court conduct on social media. The tennis world weighed in, with commentators like Prakash Amritraj, who said Ostapenko’s comments:
“came from an ugly place and there’s no space for that in the sport.”
Despite the drama, Townsend’s focus remains sharp as she advances to face No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in the third round, continuing her bold and unapologetic march through the singles draw.
"She told me I have no education, no class…Whether it had racial undertones…that's something she could speak on…I let my racket talk…She's packed up & gone, I'm here…I don't take any offense…I'm proud the way I handled myself "
– Taylor Townsend on beating Jelena Ostapenko pic.twitter.com/qcT1lS87JB
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 28, 2025
