Naomi Osaka is speaking out in defense of fellow tennis star Taylor Townsend after a tense on-court exchange with Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open.
During their second-round match on Wednesday, August 27, Ostapenko allegedly told Townsend she had “no class” and “no education,” sparking outrage among tennis fans. The remarks quickly went viral, replayed across broadcasts and social media, and drew sharp criticism for their undertones.
Following her own win over Hailey Baptiste the next day, Osaka did not hold back when asked about the controversy. “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, noting the racial weight of Ostapenko’s words.
Osaka, whose father is Haitian, praised Townsend’s work ethic and brilliance on and off the court. “I know how hard she’s worked and how smart she is, so that’s the furthest thing from uneducated,” she affirmed.
The four-time Grand Slam champion also suggested this isn’t the first time Ostapenko has crossed a line. “I don’t think that’s the craziest thing she’s said, if I’m being honest. I think the timing was ill, and Taylor was the worst person to target,” Osaka added.
Closing her remarks, she made it clear the comments should never be repeated: “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.”
For Townsend, who has long been vocal about her journey in tennis, Osaka’s support signals a powerful moment of solidarity—especially as conversations about race, respect, and representation continue to resonate in the sport.
