NEW YORK: Tennis star Naomi Osaka has publicly criticized Jelena Ostapenko for her controversial remarks directed at American player Taylor Townsend following their match at the US Open. The situation flared up after Townsend defeated Ostapenko in straight sets, 7-5, and 6-1.

What began as a routine handshake turned tense when Ostapenko, visibly upset, wagged her finger at Townsend during the net exchange. Townsend later disclosed that Ostapenko insulted her by saying she had “no education” and “no class” comments that sparked immediate backlash online and within the tennis community.

Ostapenko later took to social media, claiming her anger was due to Townsend not apologizing for winning a key point off a net cord. She labeled Townsend’s reaction as “disrespectful.”

Naomi Osaka, known not only for her Grand Slam victories but also for speaking out on social issues, did not hold back. She called Ostapenko’s words deeply offensive, especially given the context. “To say that to a Black woman in a sport where we’re still underrepresented that hits differently,” Osaka said. “Taylor is incredibly hard-working, intelligent, and someone I deeply respect. Those comments were completely out of line.”

Osaka added that, while she didn’t think Ostapenko intended her words to carry racial undertones, the impact remains the same. “Even if it wasn’t meant that way, it was said to the worst possible person in the worst possible way,” she explained.

As for the actual trigger the net cord point Osaka shared her personal view, saying that apologizing in such moments is a matter of personal choice and not an obligation. “If someone doesn’t say sorry after a net cord, that’s their call. I wouldn’t take it personally,” she said.

With emotions running high and the spotlight back on tennis etiquette and respect, this clash has become one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament not just for the tennis, but for the words exchanged beyond the baseline.