Taylor Townsend aired out Jelena Ostapenko on ESPN after a heated US Open post-match argument, alleging Jelena got here for her character. Shortly after beating her opponent, Jelena allegedly instructed Taylor she had “no class, no schooling,” sparking backlash from tennis followers, a few of whom discovered the comment to be “racist.” Jelena hit again on Instagram, making an attempt to clear her title earlier than deleting the publish because the backlash solely intensified, prompting her to difficulty one more response. This tennis fiasco is serving extra warmth than the court docket itself. Right here’s what occurred…
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Taylor Townsend Accuses Jelena Of Insulting Her Class And Training
Taylor didn’t maintain again when she spoke to ESPN, revealing that Jelena insulted her after their US Open conflict. “She instructed me I’ve no schooling, no class,” Taylor mentioned, recounting Jelena’s harsh phrases. She added that there’s no dangerous blood on her finish, noting she’s unaware of any private points Jelena might need together with her.
Jelena Ostapenko additionally challenged her, saying, “See what occurs if we play one another outdoors of the U.S.,” to which Taylor boldly replied, “I’m excited. Deliver it.” She emphasised she’s by no means one to again down from a struggle, and made that clear throughout their alternate.
When requested if the feedback carried racial undertones, Taylor acknowledged the stigma within the Black group about being labeled uneducated however didn’t immediately name it racist. “Whether or not it had racial undertones or not, that’s one thing she will converse on,” she mentioned, focusing as a substitute on her match run. Taylor took satisfaction in her efficiency, stating, “I let my racket speak.” She’s celebrating transferring to the subsequent spherical whereas Jelena is packing up and leaving.
Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko obtained into an argument after their match on the U.S. Open 👀 pic.twitter.com/od0GwFykBd
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 27, 2025
Jelena Responds To Racism Allegations
Elsewhere, Jelena Ostapenko skipped the post-match press convention however took to Instagram to clap again. She claimed the drama stemmed from Taylor’s lack of sportsmanship throughout their match. She defined that Taylor didn’t apologize after a netball in a key second. “There are some guidelines in tennis which many of the gamers observe,” Ostapenko wrote, calling it a primary in her profession. She implied Taylor’s habits may be tied to taking part in in her dwelling nation.
After her preliminary assertion sparked much more backlash, Ostapenko deleted it and posted a brand new response, per USA TODAY. “I used to be by no means racist in my life,” she declared. She harassed her respect for all individuals, no matter their background. Moreover, she mentioned that coming from a small nation limits her help and probabilities to play at dwelling.
“Sadly, I come from such a small nation that I don’t have big help and an opportunity to play in my homeland.”
Jelena Ostapenko responds on IG to individuals calling her a racist after her & Taylor Townsend’s argument at U.S. Open
“I used to be NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of individuals on the earth, for me it does not matter the place you come from.” pic.twitter.com/nE5y3nQM9F
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025
Social Media Reacts To Taylor Townsend’s Press Convention
The Roomies wasted no time hopping in The Shade Room feedback part with their tackle the feisty altercation. Right here’s what a few of them wrote…
@leesaunique wrote, “She answered these questions completely..’that’s what I’m most happy with’ & we’re of you hunni 🙌🏽”
@soulful_queen30 wrote, “Telling somebody they don’t have any class, whereas displaying a scarcity of sophistication and sportsmanship is wild.”
@1of1.a__ wrote, “SHE ONA JET2 HOLIDAY RIGHT NOW!😂”
@chelley_bee wrote, “She means outdoors the US OPEN individuals, not actually the US LOL. It’s okay in case you didn’t get the shorted reference. 😂”
@junction_ent wrote, “She higher than me. I’d have put her head by way of the racket!”
@alisabethmeyers2 wrote, “Nicely mentioned. Black Woman Magic! Let your Racket do the Speaking for you.🙌🏽👸🏽💐♥️🙏🏽”
@oluwitdagoodmedicine wrote, “She was so jealous of black excellence & black woman magic 💅🏽”
@my.persian.woman wrote, “Ewwww wtf was that?! She ought to get fined for unsportsmanlike conduct”
@whoisclayjames wrote, “She simply salty she misplaced… she obtained hit wit that black woman magic and didn’t know the right way to take it.”
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What Do You Assume Roomies?
