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'I Have No Class': US Tennis Star Reveals Jelena Ostapenko's Harsh Message During Heated Moment at US Open

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 9:42 PM ET

The 2025 US Open saw its share of drama when American tennis player Taylor Townsend and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko clashed in a heated exchange at the net after their second-round match.

Townsend, who secured a straight-sets victory, later revealed that Ostapenko told her she had "no class" and "no education" during the post-match confrontation.

Heated Exchange After US Open Upset

On Wednesday evening in New York, Townsend upset 25th seed Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 to advance to the third round. While the result was significant for the world No. 139 in singles, the real headline came after the final handshake.

Instead of a routine exchange of respect, both players engaged in a back-and-forth argument near the umpire’s chair. Cameras captured the moment as Ostapenko wagged her finger at Townsend before the American walked away and raised her arms to pump up the home crowd.

“She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the US. It’s competition. People get upset when they lose. Some people say bad things,” Tonwsend explained after the incident.

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Townsend, who also beat Ostapenko earlier this month at the National Bank Open in Toronto, noted that this was not the first time she had proven herself against the Latvian star.

“I beat her in Canada, outside the US, I beat her in New York, inside the US, so let’s see what else she has to say,” Townsend added.

Despite Ostapenko’s sharp words, Townsend made it clear that she was focused on her tennis. The 28-year-old, who is currently ranked No. 1 in doubles, highlighted that her performance spoke louder than the insults.

“The thing that I’m the most proud of is that I let my racket talk. I’m moving on to the next round, and that’s what matters most. She’s packed up and she’s gone,” Townsend said.

When asked if she believed Ostapenko’s remarks carried racial undertones, Townsend, who is Black, responded carefully:

“I didn’t take it that way, but that stigma of being ‘not educated’ has been put on our community. Whether it had racial undertones or not, that’s something she can speak on. The only thing I’m worried about is continuing to move forward in this tournament.”

Taylor Townsend’s Next Match

Townsend’s victory marked her first win over a seeded player at a Grand Slam since 2023. She will likely face rising star Mirra Andreeva, the No. 5 seed, in the third round on Friday.

The win also carried extra weight, as she became the lowest-ranked American woman to defeat a past Grand Slam champion at the US Open since 2019.

For Ostapenko, who won the French Open in 2017, the early exit was a setback in her singles campaign, though she remains a strong competitor on tour.

The US Open continues through September 7 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with fans keeping a close eye not only on the tennis action but also on the drama unfolding off the court.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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