Townsend defeats Ostapenko in heated US Open clash marked by courtside tension

Day 4 of the U.S. Open turned fiery as American star Taylor Townsend overcame Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in the second round, but the drama extended beyond the scoreboard.

Following the match, the post-handshake moment spiraled into a verbal exchange that caught the crowd’s attention. Ostapenko, visibly frustrated, accused Townsend of poor sportsmanship for not apologizing after a crucial net cord shot.

Things escalated when Ostapenko reportedly told Townsend she had “no education,” a comment repeated multiple times before Townsend snapped back, urging her rival to “learn how to lose with grace.”

The tension did not stop on court. Townsend later told reporters she refused to “tolerate disrespect,” adding that her priority was to set an example her young son could be proud of. “I’m very strong, and I’m proud to represent myself as a Black woman in this sport. I let my racquet speak for me,” she said.

Ostapenko, meanwhile, took to social media to defend her outburst, calling Townsend’s refusal to apologize for the net cord “disrespectful” and insisting her remarks had been misunderstood. She denied accusations of racism, stating she respects “all nations and all people,” though critics online were quick to challenge her explanation.

Despite the drama, Townsend remained composed, turning the focus back to tennis:

“She’s gone. I’m still here. That’s what matters.”

Townsend will now face either Anastasia Potapova or fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in the third round.