The US Open saw fiery drama when Latvian star Jelena Ostapenko lashed out at American Taylor Townsend after losing their second-round match.
Ostapenko accused Townsend of lacking “education and class” during a tense handshake. Townsend later told ESPN, “She said I have no class, no education, and to see what happens outside the US.”
Rumors of racism quickly spread, but Ostapenko denied them. “I was NEVER racist in my life. I respect all nations,” she wrote on Instagram.
Townsend, however, stood firm. “As a Black woman, I make sure I represent myself and our culture with pride,” she said. She added that she refuses to tolerate disrespect and joked the clash might even end up on her TikTok.
After a heated second round match at the US Open, American Taylor Townsend calls out her opponent, Latvian Jelena Ostapenko:
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 27, 2025
"She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S." pic.twitter.com/FikAWiitcO
The crowd loudly booed Ostapenko, who has a history of on-court outbursts. While Townsend celebrated with fans, Ostapenko defended her actions, claiming her opponent broke tennis etiquette by not apologizing for a net-cord shot.
This heated showdown leaves fans divided: was it fiery competition—or a step too far?
