Aug 27, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Polina Kudermetova of Russia in the second round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

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‘She Is Nice but Sometimes Can Lose Control’ – Aryna Sabalenka Reveals Heartfelt Conversation With Jelena Ostapenko, Reveals Struggles the Former French Open Winner Is Facing

Aryna Sabalena reveals her opinions on Ostapenko-Townsend saga.

Jelena Ostapenko’s “no class” comment on Taylor Townsend has left tennis fans enraged. After her US Open loss to the American, Ostapenko lost control of her emotions and had a big verbal spat with Townsend. However, as the situation continues to boil over, now the world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has made her feelings known on the entire situation. During her press conference, Sabalenka admitted she talked to Ostapenko immediately after the match and revealed the Latvian player’s state of mind.

Aryna Sabalenka Opens Up On Ostapenko-Townsend Controversy

Jelena Ostapenko has slowly seen the tennis world turn on her. Despite her clarifying her side on a social media post, fans continue to call Ostapenko out due to a consistent record of her emotions getting the better of her. However, her friend Aryna Sabalenka has given a rather emotional take on things. Sabalenka believes that despite Ostapenko’s flaws, she remains “nice” at heart.

Aryna Sabalenka spoke with Ostapenko after her argument with Taylor Townsend at US Open

“I spoke to Jelena after the match. Well, I have to say that she's nice. She just sometimes can lose control. She has some things in life to face & some struggles.”

pic.twitter.com/GpTd535iq1
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025

“I spoke to Jelena after the match, but during our conversation I didn’t know what happened,” Sabalenka said. “I have to say that she’s nice, but sometimes she can lose control. And she has some things in life to face and some struggles, so I was just trying to help her, and maybe face it in a more mature way.”

Later Sabalenka admitted she was trying to be someone Ostapenko can open up to. However, the most important revelation came a bit later. The world No.1 hinted at Jelena Ostapenko having some regrets over her actions. “And for sure looking back she’s not happy with her behaviour,” said Sabalenka. However, while Sabalenka remains supportive of her friend, the tennis world in general has turned on Ostapenko.

Naomi Osaka on the Taylor Townsend & Jelena Ostapenko situation at U.S. Open:

“It’s one of the worst things you can say to a Black tennis player in a majority White sport.”

“I think it's ill timing and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don't know if… pic.twitter.com/EQ6c5sIYIX
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025

Jelena Ostapenko Faces the Heat from Tennis Legend

After the controversy boiled over, former ATP World No.1 Andy Roddick called out Ostapenko for being “a complete hypocrite.” Riddick then added that Ostapenko cannot talk about class when she herself experiences meltdowns on the court. He later doubled down on his take by angrily comparing Ostapenko with himself.

“Try not to be a complete hypocrite about things. Jelena Ostapenko lecturing someone about class on a tennis court is like me lecturing someone about trying everything they can to stop losing their hair. It literally is like heights of hypocrisy!” Riddick said quite aggressively. Later the former No.1 noted that he too has had numerous meltdowns but he never attacked his opponents.

Riddick isn’t alone in this regard. Ostapenko has drawn the ire of the entire tennis world. So can Aryna Sabalenka’s emotional words steer some of that anger away from Ostapenko? Chances of that happening don’t look particularly high.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Andy Roddick

Aryna Sabalenka

Jelena Ostapenko

Taylor Townsend

US Open 2025

WTA

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.