US Open racism storm erupts as tennis star goes ballistic at American rival for having ‘no education and no class’
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?