Ostapenko apologises for 'no education' comments to Townsend

31/8/2025 12:04

Jelena Ostapenko apologised for some of the words she used in a tense altercation with American Taylor Townsend at the U.S. Open that led to a backlash, with the Latvian stating on Saturday that English was not her native language.



The controversy ignited after Townsend, who is Black, beat 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko in a tough second-round battle on Wednesday before being dragged into a verbal duel by her opponent following their handshake.



Townsend revealed part of the exchange in her on-court interview, saying Ostapenko accused her of having "no class" and "no education", adding in a press conference that the Latvian would have to answer if there were "racial undertones" to the row.



"I wanted to apologise for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match," Ostapenko said on Saturday.



"English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.



"I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a player."