Jelena Ostapenko argues with Taylor Townsend following their second-round match on the US Open. — AFP/File
NEW YORK: Jelena Ostapenko apologised for the phrases she utilized in a tense altercation with American Taylor Townsend on the US Open that led to backlash, saying on Saturday that English is just not her native language.
The controversy erupted after Townsend, who’s Black, defeated 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5 6-1 in a troublesome second-round match on Wednesday, earlier than being drawn right into a heated change on the internet following their handshake.
Townsend later revealed a part of the change throughout her on-court interview, saying Ostapenko accused her of getting “no class” and “no education”. She added in a press convention that Ostapenko must reply questions on whether or not there have been “racial undertones” within the remarks.
Ostapenko wrote on Instagram that her frustration stemmed from Townsend’s refusal to apologise for benefiting from a internet twine — when the American’s shot clipped the online and stayed in play — and accused her of being disrespectful.
Historically, gamers elevate their racket in apology after profitable such some extent, following long-standing tennis etiquette.
The conflict prompted four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to weigh in, saying that Ostapenko’s selection of phrases have been the worst issues one might say when criticising a Black participant.
“I want to apologise for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match,” Ostapenko stated on Saturday.
“English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was only speaking about what I believe to be tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.
“I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a player.”
Townsend later stated she accepted the apology.
“That’s fine. That’s cool,” she stated. “At the end of the day, I think it’s a lesson for her … you can’t push your expectations on other people. That’s what happened.
“She expected me to react a certain way, and I didn’t, and it infuriated her, which led her to say things that are hurtful, belligerent, offensive — not only to me but to the sport and a whole culture of people I try to represent the best I can.”
American Coco Gauff praised Townsend, saying she was one of many nicest individuals she knew.
Townsend, who will face Barbora Krejcikova within the fourth spherical, stated the episode had launched her to many new followers.
“There are a lot of familiar faces here, but there are also people who maybe didn’t know who I was before,” she stated.
“Now they’re seeing me, and then going back, learning about my journey, and finding out how I got here. I think that’s super cool.”
