Taylor Townsend can be heard trading enthusiastic words next to the court after a direct victory against Jelena Ostapenko at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, with the Latvians saying the Americans have no “no classes” and “no education.”
The reaction continued, Naomi Osaka was one of the latest players in the back and forth between Ostapenko and Townsend and the type of language they used.
“It's already on TV every 15 minutes,” Osaka told reporters after defeating American Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1.
“I mean, it's really hard to say. I think it's obviously one of the worst things you've said to black tennis players in most white sports. And, I know Taylor, I know her efforts, and I know how smart she is, so she's the furthest thing compared to uneducated or anything like that.
“But if you really ask me about Ostapenko’s history, I don’t think it’s the craziest thing she has ever said. Honestly.
“I think it’s the timing of illness and the worst person you’ve ever had. And I don’t know if she knows American history.
“But I know she will never say it again in her life. But yeah, I mean, it's really scary. Like, that's really bad.”
According to Ostapenko, the origin of the argument comes from a moment of controversy, which is not part of the law codified by tennis but rather in such circumstances or in a lack of sportsmanship.
The Latvian explained on social media that her frustration stemmed from a moment in the middle of the second round when Townsend didn't say “sorry” after being helped by a little bit by bit.
Osaka was asked if it should apologize in this case.
“I probably don't care to be honest,” Osaka said. “And I absolutely don't care how much it affects how angry I'm.
“I think it depends on whether they apologize, but if it’s really close, then I’ll see why they don’t apologize.”
After the incident, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka told reporters on Wednesday that she had a conversation with Ostapenko.
“Well, I have to say she's good. You know, she loses control sometimes.” “She has some things to face in her life, and some struggles.
“I just wanted to help her, I don't know, maybe I don't know, not like, not like that, face it in a more mature way, but I just wanted to help her settle down and be like her – is the person she can talk to him. You know, I think she sometimes can just lose control of her emotions, which is hard.
“I really hope that one day she can (out) herself and she will handle it better.”
Ostapenko did not speak to reporters after losing his first round of doubles on Thursday, with the American Tennis Association citing medical reasons.