Tennis-Ostapenko apologises for 'no education' comments to Townsend

Aug 27, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in action against Taylor Townsend of the United States in the second round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Jelena Ostapenko apologised for some of the words she used in a tense altercation with American Taylor Townsend at the U.S. Open that led to a backlash, with the Latvian stating on Saturday that English was not her native language.

The controversy ignited after Townsend, who is Black, beat 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5 6-1 in a tough second-round battle on Wednesday before being dragged into a verbal duel by her opponent following their handshake.