Jeļena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei’s doubles clash at the 2026 US Open ended in dramatic fashion, as the pair made their frustration with one of their opponents’ coaches clear. Hsieh also did not shake hands with Chan Hao-ching due to their long-running feud after she and Ostapenko booked their spot in the quarterfinals in New York.
Inside Jeļena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei’s Controversial Third-Round Doubles Win at the US Open
After not dropping a set during their first two matches, No. 4 seeds Ostapenko and Hsieh produced another dominant performance against No. 14 seeds Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint, who had ousted Venus and Serena Williams in the first round. The duo secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open.
Despite the straightforward scoreline, the match was not without controversy. Ostapenko and Hsieh took issue with what they felt was constant yelling and coaching from Chan’s player’s box, even calling for the supervisor to raise their complaints.
Supervisor’s out again. Penko seems to be doing most of the talking. Whatever the issue is, hopefully it’s resolved. pic.twitter.com/44LvdHfu95
— BRISBANE CHAMP! (@hsieh_n_wong) September 7, 2026
Their frustration with Chan’s contingent was evident after the match, as Ostapenko repeatedly yelled in their direction after sealing the win, with Hsieh also directing her celebration toward them. Subsequently, Chan left the court without shaking hands with her fellow Taiwanese player Hsieh.
BIG WIN! BIG YELL! BIG DRAMA! AND NO HANDSHAKE YET AGAIN!!!
Su-Wei and Penko are THROUGH to the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Chan/Joint! Penko makes sure Chan’s box hears her roars! This is why we watch!!!#usopen pic.twitter.com/gXqZ5bO9JT
— BRISBANE CHAMP! (@hsieh_n_wong) September 7, 2026
This is not the first time that such a situation has arisen during Ostapenko and Hsieh’s doubles partnership, as Hsieh also snubbed a handshake with Chan at the 2025 China Open.
The duo’s feud goes back a long way, with Hsieh having accused the Chinese Taipei Tennis Association (CTTA) of favoring Chan Hao-ching and her sister Latisha Chan over her.
Hsieh’s complaints had grabbed headlines when the Chan sisters were allowed to bring their father as their coach for the 2016 Rio Olympics, while her request was denied. The former doubles world No. 1 subsequently withdrew from the Olympic Games and announced that she would no longer represent Taiwan at international events.
The dispute also extended to their families when Latisha Chan left Hsieh Su-wei’s brother, Hsieh Cheng-peng, stranded before their mixed doubles semifinal at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei. She withdrew from the tournament due to heatstroke after clinching the women’s doubles gold medal with her sister.
However, controversy arose when Latisha traveled to New York for the US Open just two days later, where she won the women’s doubles title with Martina Hingis.
Although Hsieh later announced her return to international competition, the feud persisted. The former doubles world No. 1 was not included in the initial squad for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup shortly after Latisha Chan was appointed team captain. Following Hsieh’s protest, Chan issued a statement explaining the selection process and stepped down from the role.
Given the long history between the two players, it comes as no surprise that Hsieh and Chan made no effort to shake hands at the US Open.
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Amid the drama, Jeļena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei will turn their focus to gearing up for their quarterfinal clash against No. 8 seeds Elise Mertens and Diana Shnaider at the New York Major.
