Photo Credit: Getty Images
Naomi Osaka is speaking out after a heated post-match clash at the US Open between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend sparked widespread outrage.
The confrontation unfolded on Wednesday, Aug. 27, after Townsend defeated Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in their second-round matchup. As the players shook hands, Ostapenko accused her opponent of lacking "class" and "education" after Townsend declined to apologize for winning a point off a net cord, when a ball clips the top of the net and still lands in play.
Osaka, 27, did not hold back when asked about the exchange the following day. "I think it's one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport," she told reporters. "Taylor is incredibly smart, hardworking, and the furthest thing from uneducated. The comments were just terrible."
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who is of Haitian and Japanese heritage, also suggested that Ostapenko has a history of crossing the line. "If you're asking me about Ostapenko, honestly this isn't the craziest thing she's ever said," Osaka added. "But the timing and who she said it to? That makes it so much worse. I don't even know if she understands the history of words like that in America."
Townsend, 29, downplayed the racial angle but acknowledged the sting of Ostapenko's words. Speaking to ESPN after the match, she said, "People get upset when they lose. Some people say bad things. But you're not going to insult me, especially after I showed nothing but respect." She later emphasized, "If I show respect to you, I expect it back. That's just the fact of the matter."
Ostapenko, 28, defended herself in an Instagram statement, writing, "I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations. For me it doesn't matter where you come from." She insisted her anger came only from what she viewed as Townsend's lack of etiquette.
Still, Osaka believes the backlash will leave a mark. "I know she's never going to say that again in her life," she said. "But, yeah, it was really bad."