Naomi Osaka Lambasts Ostapenko Over ‘Racist’ Tussle With Townsend: ‘One Of The Worst Things To Say’

Last Updated:August 29, 2025, 08:42 is

Osaka condemned Ostapenko for telling Taylor Townsend she had no education or class at the US Open, highlighting the racial undertones and supporting Townsend’s composure.

Naomi Osaka was not fond of Ostapenko’s verbal rant towards Townsend (X)

Naomi Osaka hit out at Jelena Ostapenko on Thursday after the Latvian star faced a wave of backlash for comments made during a heated exchange with the USA’s Taylor Townsend at the US Open.

The controversy erupted on Wednesday after Ostapenko crashed out in the second round to Townsend.

Following the match, the 2017 French Open champion reportedly accused Townsend of having “no education and no class” during a furious on-court tirade.

Townsend later confirmed the remarks, which many fans and commentators interpreted as racially charged, especially given the historical stereotype linking African Americans with a lack of education.

Ostapenko denied any racist intent in a late-night Instagram post.

Despite her explanation, the comments continued to reverberate across Flushing Meadows the next day.

“One of the Worst Things You Can Say”

Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion whose father is Haitian, was one of the most high-profile voices to condemn Ostapenko’s remarks.

“I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority white sport,” Osaka said after her 6-3, 6-1 second-round win over Hailey Baptiste.

“I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked and I know how smart she is, so she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that.

It’s ill-timed and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don’t know if (Ostapenko) knows the history of it in America. But I know she’s never going to say that ever again in her life. It was just terrible. Like, that’s just really bad.”

Osaka’s comments drew attention to the racial undertones of the exchange and the broader historical context of African American athletes in predominantly white sports.

Townsend’s mixed doubles partner, Ben Shelton, also weighed in, describing Ostapenko’s comments as reckless, particularly in New York.

“Some shocking comments towards (Townsend), and not the smartest thing to say to an American in New York City,” the men’s sixth seed said. “Kind of speaks for itself, right? Crazy. Crazy statement.”

Townsend Stays Composed

For her part, Townsend sought to downplay the controversy, making clear that she did not personally interpret Ostapenko’s remarks as racist, though she acknowledged the weight of the stereotype.

“I didn’t take it in that way, but also, you know, that has been a stigma in our community of being not educated and all of the things when it’s the furthest thing from the truth,” Townsend said.

“I don’t really take that personally, because I know that it’s so far from the truth and so far from anything. I’m very strong. I’m very proud as a Black woman being out here representing myself and representing us and our culture.”

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More

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