Naomi Osaka is standing ten toes down for Taylor Townsend after a heated conflict with Jelena Ostapenko on the US Open. Following their second-round match, Jelena allegedly made some private assaults, telling Taylor she had “no class” and “no schooling.” The feedback sparked main backlash from tennis followers, and now Naomi is weighing in, calling it “one of many worst issues you possibly can say to a Black tennis participant.”
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Naomi Osaka Speaks Out
After her victory over Hailey Baptiste on Thursday, August 28, Naomi didn’t shrink back when requested in regards to the confrontation between Taylor and Jelena on Wednesday, August 27. The incident, replayed on TV “like, each quarter-hour,” had Naomi heated. “I believe clearly it’s one of many worst issues you possibly can say to a Black tennis participant in a majority white sport,” she stated, calling out the racial weight of Jelena’s remarks. Naomi, whose father is Haitian, praised Taylor’s grind, saying:
“I understand how arduous she’s labored and the way sensible she is, in order that’s the furthest factor from uneducated.”
Additionally, she advised Jelena has a sample. “I don’t suppose that’s the craziest factor she’s stated, if I’m being trustworthy.” Naomi known as the timing “unwell” and Taylor the “worst individual” to focus on.
“I don’t know if she is aware of the historical past of it in America, however I do know she’s by no means gonna say that ever once more. It was simply horrible. That’s simply actually unhealthy.”
Naomi Osaka on the Taylor Townsend & Jelena Ostapenko state of affairs at U.S. Open:
“It’s one of many worst issues you possibly can say to a Black tennis participant in a majority White sport.”
“I believe it is unwell timing and the worst individual you might have ever stated it to. And I do not know if… pic.twitter.com/EQ6c5sIYIX
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025
What Occurred Between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend After Their Match
The state of affairs unfolded after Taylor was defeated throughout their second-round match on August 27. Issues acquired actual when a web twine went Taylor’s manner, and Jelena, anticipating an apology, didn’t get one. Publish-match, their handshake set the tone for what was about to occur subsequent. Jelena allegedly advised Taylor she had “no class, no schooling” and added, “See what occurs once we get exterior the US.” The argument spilled over to Jelena’s chair, along with her pointing fingers as the group booed.
Shortly after, Jelena took to Instagram, claiming Taylor was “very disrespectful” for not apologizing for the web twine and warming up on the web. She known as it being towards tennis “guidelines.” Moreover, Jelena denied racial intent, stating, “I used to be NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of individuals on the earth.” Taylor, unfazed by the rant, advised Jelena to “learn to take a loss higher.”
Taylor Addresses Jelena Quarrel
In her press convention, by way of ESPN, Taylor stored it elegant whereas addressing the shade thrown her manner. She confirmed Jelena’s phrases. When requested if the feedback had racial undertones, she responded:
“I didn’t take it in that manner, but in addition, you realize, that has been a stigma in our neighborhood of being ‘not educated’ and all the issues, when it’s the furthest factor from the reality.”
Taylor, proud to symbolize her tradition, added that she was “sturdy” sufficient to take criticism. She additionally talked about being “very proud as a Black girl” to symbolize her household, however most of all, her tradition. She dismissed Jelena’s private assault:
“I don’t actually take that personally, as a result of I do know that it’s so removed from the reality.”
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