Naomi Osaka is standing ten toes down for Taylor Townsend after a heated conflict with Jelena Ostapenko on the US Open. Following their second-round match, Jelena allegedly made some private assaults, telling Taylor she had “no class” and “no training.” The feedback sparked main backlash from tennis followers, and now Naomi is weighing in, calling it “one of many worst issues you’ll be able to say to a Black tennis participant.”
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Naomi Osaka Speaks Out
After her victory over Hailey Baptiste on Thursday, August 28, Naomi didn’t draw back when requested concerning the confrontation between Taylor and Jelena on Wednesday, August 27. The incident, replayed on TV “like, each quarter-hour,” had Naomi heated. “I feel clearly it’s one of many worst issues you’ll be able to say to a Black tennis participant in a majority white sport,” she stated, calling out the racial weight of Jelena’s remarks. Naomi, whose father is Haitian, praised Taylor’s grind, saying:
“I understand how arduous she’s labored and the way sensible she is, in order that’s the furthest factor from uneducated.”
Additionally, she prompt Jelena has a sample. “I don’t suppose that’s the craziest factor she’s stated, if I’m being sincere.” Naomi known as the timing “unwell” and Taylor the “worst individual” to focus on.
“I don’t know if she is aware of the historical past of it in America, however I do know she’s by no means gonna say that ever once more. It was simply horrible. That’s simply actually dangerous.”
Naomi Osaka on the Taylor Townsend & Jelena Ostapenko state of affairs at U.S. Open:
“It’s one of many worst issues you’ll be able to say to a Black tennis participant in a majority White sport.”
“I feel it is unwell timing and the worst individual you could possibly have ever stated it to. And I do not know if… pic.twitter.com/EQ6c5sIYIX
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025
What Occurred Between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend After Their Match
The state of affairs unfolded after Taylor was defeated throughout their second-round match on August 27. Issues acquired actual when a internet wire went Taylor’s means, and Jelena, anticipating an apology, didn’t get one. Put up-match, their handshake set the tone for what was about to occur subsequent. Jelena allegedly instructed Taylor she had “no class, no training” and added, “See what occurs after we get exterior the US.” The argument spilled over to Jelena’s chair, together with her pointing fingers as the group booed.
Shortly after, Jelena took to Instagram, claiming Taylor was “very disrespectful” for not apologizing for the web wire and warming up on the internet. She known as it being in opposition to tennis “guidelines.” Moreover, Jelena denied racial intent, stating, “I used to be NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of individuals on the earth.” Taylor, unfazed by the rant, instructed Jelena to “discover ways to take a loss higher.”
Taylor Addresses Jelena Quarrel
In her press convention, through ESPN, Taylor saved it elegant whereas addressing the shade thrown her means. She confirmed Jelena’s phrases. When requested if the feedback had racial undertones, she responded:
“I didn’t take it in that means, but in addition, you recognize, that has been a stigma in our group of being ‘not educated’ and the entire issues, when it’s the furthest factor from the reality.”
Taylor, proud to symbolize her tradition, added that she was “sturdy” sufficient to take criticism. She additionally talked about being “very proud as a Black girl” to symbolize her household, however most of all, her tradition. She disregarded Jelena’s private assault:
“I don’t actually take that personally, as a result of I do know that it’s so removed from the reality.”
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