American Taylor Townsend says she was told she has 'no class, no education' by opponent after US Open win

Taylor Townsend let out a roar after upsetting No. 25-ranked Jelena Ostapenko, 7-5, 6-1, in her second-round match at the U.S. Open on Wednesday. 

But a face-to-face confrontation between the two competitors at center court was the biggest story coming out of Court 11. 

Townsend said that Ostapenko, a Latvian native who has a French Open title under her belt from 2017, said she has "no class" and "no education."

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Taylor Townsend of the United States in action against Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 27, 2025. (Mike Frey/Imagn Images)

Townsend, who is Black, was asked by a reporter if Ostapenko’s comments at the net had racial undertones. 

"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 replied. 

"So, whether it had racial undertones or not, that’s something she can speak on. The only thing that I’m worried about right now is continuing to move forward through this tournament."

Ostapenko wasn’t asked by reporters, but she posted on Instagram about the confrontation, specifically talking about "how many messages I received that I am a racist."

"I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world," Ostapenko posted. "For me, it doesn’t matter where you come from."

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During the verbal altercation at the net, Ostapenko said something inaudible to Townsend as she went to shake the chair umpire’s hand. It clearly irked