Naomi Osaka has spoken out on the heated post-match controversy between Taylor Townsend and Jeļena Ostapenko at the 2025 US Open, offering a sharp critique of the Latvian’s choice of words.
In her post-match press conference, Osaka described Ostapenko’s remark that Townsend had “no class” and “no education” as one of the worst things a player could say to a Black athlete in tennis. The four-time Grand Slam champion emphasized that the insult carries damaging undertones, especially in a sport that has historically lacked diversity at the highest level.
What Did Naomi Osaka Say About Jeļena Ostapenko’s Remarks Toward Taylor Townsend?
The drama unfolded Wednesday when Townsend upset No. 25 seed Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in the second round on Court 11. What should have been a routine handshake quickly turned into a tense altercation at the net.
Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got into an argument after their match at the U.S. Open 👀 pic.twitter.com/od0GwFykBd
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 27, 2025
Iga when she finally beats Penkopic.twitter.com/0GuAR4xoPQ
— Brian | #7inNY #25inNY (@stanpokey) August 27, 2025
Spectators on Court 11 loudly booed Ostapenko during the exchange, rallying behind Townsend, who celebrated with the home crowd. According to Townsend, Ostapenko told her she had “no class” and “no education” and threatened to “see what happens when we get outside the U.S.” The American brushed off the confrontation and pointed out that she had beaten Ostapenko previously in Canada and New York.
The incident overshadowed Townsend’s big win and set off a wave of reactions across the tennis world. Ostapenko, meanwhile, did not attend a press conference afterward and, according to tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, was not requested by media members.
Later, she posted a statement on Instagram defending her behavior, arguing that Townsend had disrespected her by starting her warm-up at the net and failing to apologize for a net-cord winner. Her defense only fueled further debate, with many on social media viewing the confrontation as another example of Ostapenko’s reputation for fiery disputes and on-court behavior.
Osaka, who had just advanced past Hailey Baptiste in her second-round match Thursday, was asked about the situation directly during her post-match press conference. A reporter highlighted the racial undertones of Ostapenko’s words, noting that terms such as “no education” and “no class” have a fraught history when directed at Black athletes in the United States. Osaka did not hesitate to weigh in.
“Yeah, I mean, I saw that part, obviously. It’s been on the TV like every 15 minutes. I mean, it’s really difficult to say,” Osaka said. “I think it’s one of the worst things that you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority-white sport. And granted, I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked, and I know how smart she is. So she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that.”
The former World No. 1 also spoke candidly about Ostapenko’s history of controversial behavior.
“If you’re genuinely asking me about the history of Ostapenko, I don’t think that’s the craziest thing she’s said. I’m going to be honest. I think it’s ill-timed and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don’t know if she knows the history of it in America. But I know she’s never going to say that ever again in her life. But, yeah, it’s just terrible and really bad.”
MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Lends Support to Jeļena Ostapenko After Heated Taylor Townsend Clash at US Open
Two-time champion Osaka advanced to the third round in New York, where she will face either No. 15 seed Daria Kasatkina or Kamilla Rakhimova.
