Former world No.1 Naomi Osaka has described Jelena Ostapenko’s comments towards American player Taylor Townsend as terrible and one of the worst things you could say to a black tennis player.
The Latvian star clashed with Townsend after losing 7-5, 6-1 in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday, accusing her of failing to apologise for a net cord point. In the heated exchange, Ostapenko told Townsend she had no class and no education.
Townsend, however, brushed it off, saying she did not view the remarks as racist but acknowledged the hurtful stereotype behind such words.
I didn’t take it in that way, but in our community, there’s always been that stigma of being uneducated, which is far from the truth, Townsend said.
Osaka, speaking to reporters, condemned the outburst: It’s ill-timed and the worst person you could ever say that to. I don’t know if she knows the history of it in America, but it was just terrible. Taylor is smart, hardworking, and the furthest thing from uneducated.
American third seed Coco Gauff also weighed in, saying Ostapenko’s choice of words was wrong regardless of the situation. I think it was heat of the moment. But it shouldn’t have been said, Gauff said.
Ostapenko has since denied any racial undertone in an Instagram post. She skipped media duties after losing in doubles on Thursday, with organisers citing illness.
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka revealed she spoke to the 2017 French Open champion, urging her to “handle things in a more mature way.
