According to Naomi Osaka, Jelena Ostapenko’s criticism of Taylor Townsend for her “class” and “education” during the US Open was “one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player.”
After her furious tirade at black American player Townsend, who beat her in their women’s singles match on Wednesday in the second round, Ostapenko, 28, is at the epicenter of a racist maelstrom.
When her opponent failed to apologize for a shot that clipped the net on its way over, the irate Latvian became enraged at what she saw as a lack of court decorum and told her she had “no education and no class” when they shook hands after the loss.
Ostapenko revealed on social media a few hours later that she has been accused of racism, which she strongly disputes. “I respect people from all countries and I was never racist in my life. It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” she remarked on Instagram.
After defeating American Hailey Baptiste in the second round of the US Open on Thursday, Osaka, who is of Asian and Black ancestry, was questioned about the topic.
Yes, I clearly saw that portion. When asked if she was aware of Ostapenko’s outburst, the Japanese celebrity responded, “It’s been on the TV like every 15 minutes.”
Jelena Ostapenko’s “dreadful” tirade at Taylor Townsend has drawn criticism from Naomi Osaka.
In a sport where the majority of players are white, I believe it’s one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player. Furthermore, Taylor is the complete opposite of uneducated or anything similar, as I am aware of her intelligence and the amount of hard work she has put in.
Over the years, Ostapenko has gained a reputation for losing her temper on the court after letting the red mist fall on multiple occasions.
Regarding the world No. 25, Osaka went on, “If you’re really asking me about Ostapenko’s history, I don’t think that’s the craziest thing she’s said.” I will tell the truth.
It seems like the worst person you could have ever said it to, and the timing is off. Additionally, I am uncertain if she is aware of its American background.
“I am certain that she will never say that again in her life.” However, it was simply awful. I mean, that’s just awful.
Less than twenty-four hours after her altercation with Townsend, Ostapenko was back on the court, competing with colleague Barbora Krejčíková in the women’s doubles first-round match at Flushing Meadows.
When she stepped out with Krejčíková in New York, she amazingly dodged any jeers despite her savage attack on a home player the day before. Some fans even cheered her name when she was presented before the game.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka suggested earlier Thursday that Ostapenko’s tirade, which compelled her to refute accusations of racism, was motivated by personal problems off the court. She also expressed her hope that her fellow Eastern European will “one day figure herself” out.
She felt that there was a lack of court etiquette, which infuriated the feisty Latvian.
Following her victory over Hailey Baptiste in the second round, Osaka offered her opinion on the racism controversy.
The Belarusian claimed to have spoken with Jelena following the game. I was unaware of the events that transpired during our talk. She is pleasant, although occasionally she loses her temper, I must admit. She faces some challenges and obstacles in life.
I was only attempting to assist her in dealing with things more maturely, settling down, being someone she could confide in, and letting it go.
It’s difficult for her to regulate her emotions, and I believe she occasionally loses them.
“I sincerely hope she will learn to manage it much better one day.”
During her news conference after the match, Townsend was also asked if she thought Ostapenko’s remarks had any racial overtones.
She said, “You’re going to have to ask her about that.” “I didn’t take it that way, but it’s also the complete opposite of the truth, and having no education has been stigmatized in our community.”
“I can’t speak on what her intentions were… saying I have no education and no class, I don’t really take that personally, because I know that’s so far from the truth—whether it had racial undertones or not, that’s something she can speak on,” Townsend went on.
