US Open Fans Cheer Jelena Ostapenko in First Match After Racism Controversy

Jelena Ostapenko Receives Cheers at US Open Amid Racism Storm
By Oliver Salt | Updated: 20:25 BST, 28 August 2025

[Image: Jelena Ostapenko during her doubles match at the US Open]
Caption: Jelena Ostapenko returned to court amid controversy, greeted by cheers from fans.

Latvian tennis star Jelena Ostapenko faced mixed reactions at the US Open on Thursday, just hours after her heated post-match comments toward American Taylor Townsend ignited accusations of racism. The 28-year-old, notorious for her on-court temper, clashed with Townsend following a 7-5, 6-1 singles defeat Wednesday, accusing her opponent of having “no education and no class.”

Despite the backlash, Ostapenko received a surprisingly warm reception during her doubles match alongside Czech partner Barbora Krejčíková. Fans at Flushing Meadows applauded as she took the court, with some even chanting her name. The duo later secured a 6-4 first-set victory against Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani.

The Controversial Outburst
The feud began post-match when Ostapenko reportedly criticized Townsend for not apologizing after a net-cord shot. “You have to say sorry,” Ostapenko insisted, to which Townsend retorted, “No, I don’t have to say sorry.” The exchange escalated off-court, with Ostapenko allegedly making inflammatory remarks about Townsend’s background.

[Image: Ostapenko and Townsend during their singles match]
Caption: Ostapenko’s remarks followed a tense match against Taylor Townsend.

Townsend later revealed to ESPN, “She told me to see what happens when we get outside the U.S.… Whether it had racial undertones, that’s something she can speak on.” The American, however, downplayed taking the comments personally, stating, “I know [her accusations] are so far from the truth.”

Ostapenko Denies Racism Allegations
Facing a social media firestorm, Ostapenko defended herself on Instagram: “I was NEVER racist in my life. I respect all nations.” She claimed her criticism was rooted in sportsmanship, not prejudice, but stopped short of apologizing.

Sabalenka Weighs In
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who spoke privately with Ostapenko post-match, hinted at personal struggles behind the Latvian’s outburst. “She’s nice but loses control emotionally. She’s facing challenges off-court,” Sabalenka said. “I hope she figures herself out and matures.”

Fan Reactions Split
While some spectators supported Ostapenko during her doubles appearance, the incident has divided the tennis community. Social media debates rage over whether her comments crossed a line or reflected mere frustration.

As Ostapenko continues her US Open campaign, the controversy underscores tennis’ ongoing tensions between fiery competitiveness and respect—a balance the sport continues to grapple with.

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