what did ostapenko say to townsend

Jelena Ostapenko said to Taylor Townsend during their confrontation at the 2025 US Open that Townsend had "no class" and "no education." This remark was made after Townsend won their match, leading to a tense exchange and accusations of disrespect from Ostapenko towards Townsend. Ostapenko was upset that Townsend began the warm-up by volleying instead of baseline shots and that Townsend won a point after the ball hit the net's tape without apologizing, which Ostapenko expected in that moment. Townsend responded that she did not interpret Ostapenko's comments as racially charged but noted there is a stigma in the Black community about being labeled "uneducated," which she rejects. Townsend emphasized she did not back down from the insult and insisted on mutual respect in competition, stating she showed respect and expected the same in return. The incident drew criticism from other players, including Naomi Osaka, who described Ostapenko’s "no education" comment as "one of the worst things you could say to a Black tennis player in a predominantly white sport" and called the remark "terrible" and hurtful. Ostapenko denied any racist intent and expressed upset at the backlash she received.