Osaka Slams Ostapenko Over ‘No Education’ Remark at US Open

By IDNN Sports Desk

At the US Open 2025, Naomi Osaka strongly condemned Jelena Ostapenko for remarks made to American player Taylor Townsend after their second-round match in New York.

Ostapenko, who lost 7-5 6-1, accused Townsend of poor sportsmanship after a net cord but went further, telling her she had “no class” and “no education.” The Latvian’s words drew sharp criticism across the tennis world.

Speaking to reporters, Osaka said:

“It’s one of the worst things you could say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport. I don’t know if she knows the history in America, but she will never say that again in her life.”

The Japanese four-time Grand Slam winner stressed that Townsend is “the furthest thing from uneducated,” calling the remark “terrible and ill-timed.”

Townsend herself downplayed the racial dimension, saying she did not take it that way. However, she acknowledged the insult touched on long-standing stereotypes.

“That stigma has always been there in our community. But the truth is, it couldn’t be further from reality,” Townsend said.

American third seed Coco Gauff echoed Osaka’s stance, adding:

“Regardless of the emotion of the moment, those words should not have been said. Taylor is the opposite of what was implied.”

Ostapenko denied racism in an Instagram post, saying her words were “taken out of context.” World number one Aryna Sabalenka also revealed she had spoken to Ostapenko “to help her face it in a mature way.”

Ostapenko later withdrew from doubles citing illness and skipped her press conference.

The controversy has overshadowed her tournament and sparked fresh debate over respect, race, and responsibility in professional tennis.

This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.