(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Naomi Osaka Comments on US Open Altercation Between Ostapenko and Townsend
August 29, 2025
NEW YORK – Naomi Osaka has weighed in on the verbal clash between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend at the US Open, calling some of the words used during the incident “in bad taste.”
The dispute occurred during the second-round women’s singles match on August 27, when Townsend, who is Black, defeated 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1. Tension arose after match point, when the players exchanged words at the net, with Ostapenko wagging her finger at Townsend.
Townsend later discussed part of the exchange in her on-court interview and suggested Ostapenko might need to explain whether the altercation had “racial undertones.” Ostapenko stated on Instagram that her frustration came from Townsend’s refusal to apologise after winning a pivotal point when her ball clipped the net but remained in play, describing Townsend’s behavior as “disrespectful.” She added she has never been racist.
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, said the words used during the incident were inappropriate in a sport where Black players are a minority. “It’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport,” Osaka said. “I know Taylor and I know how hard she’s worked, so she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that.”
Born to a Japanese mother and Haitian father, Osaka has been an outspoken advocate for racial justice, including support for the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States and Japan.
Regarding the point that triggered the row, Osaka emphasized that she personally would not let an opponent’s decision to apologise—or not—affect her emotionally. “It’s up to the person whether they apologise or not, but if it’s really close, I can see why they don’t,” she said.
Osaka also expressed optimism that Ostapenko would avoid making similar remarks in the future, calling the words “ill-timed” and “terrible,” but stressed that the incident should not overshadow Townsend’s performance.
