Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

‘She Told Me I Have No Class’ – US Open 2025 Gets Heated as Taylor Townsend Fires Back at Jelena Ostapenko After Intense Verbal Outburst

Taylor Townsend reveals Ostapenko's "no class" jibe.

Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Things got pretty heated on the Court 11 sideline after Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko. The two US Open foes got in a big verbal spat immediately after Townsend’s 7-5, 6-1 win in the second round of the tournament.

However, since then, both players have given their accounts of the incident. Surprisingly, their explanation has led to even more confusion regarding the whole situation.

Taylor Townsend Reveals the Comment That Led to Her Outburst

The verbal spat between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko began after the two stayed close to each other at the net after the post-match handshake. Usually, players walk away, but the two began arguing. Then Townsend went to the stands to wave at the crowd.

Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got in a heated interaction after their second round match at the US Open.

Townsend is on to the third round. pic.twitter.com/cOIYzoyfmG
— ESPN (@espn) August 27, 2025

The American player later admitted that Ostapenko’s comments on her having “no class” and “no education” were what set her off. “She told me I have no education, no class, and to see what happens if we play each other outside of the US. I said, I’m excited, bring it,” said Townsend.

When asked if Townsend believed there were racial undertones to these comments, the 29-year-old maintained diplomacy. “I didn’t take it in that way, but also, 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,” said Townsend. However, Jelena Ostapenko’s side of the story differs slightly. The Latvian took to her social media to explain the reason for her outburst.

Jelena Ostapenko Accuses Townsend Of Being Disrespectful

As the chatter around their verbal battle grew, Ostapenko decided to explain her side on Instagram. The 2017 French Open champ revealed that she felt disrespected after Taylor Townsend didn’t say sorry after a net helped her earn a point. In Ostapenko’s words, “There are some rules in tennis which most players follow.” Later she added, “If she plays in her homeland, it doesn’t mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants.”

Ostapenko on Instagram pic.twitter.com/gZGERk9kq4
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 27, 2025

However, Ostapenko had more to say. The 28-year-old also complained about Townsend’s warm-up routine. Usually, tennis players begin the pre-match warm-up at the baseline, but Townsend started at the net. This irked Ostapenko, who called it “very disrespectful.”

Later, Ostapenko also clarified about possible racial undertones in her comments. “I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world. For me, it doesn’t matter where you come from,” wrote Ostapenko.

After the match, Townsend admitted that she is over this fight. The American has already set her sights on Mirra Andreeva – her opponent in the third round of the US Open. As for Ostapenko, “she’s packed up and she’s gone,” said Townsend. But can the American beat the teenage wonder in the third round?

Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Jelena Ostapenko

Taylor Townsend

Tennis

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.