Jelena Ostapenko, a Latvian professional tennis player, who lost to Taylor Townsend, has issued a public apology following her post-match outburst.
On Wednesday (Aug 27), after defeating Ostapenko, Townsend went to shake hands with her opponent following the end of the match. Ostapenko accepted the handshake, but uttered something that prompted Townsend to continue the conversation, which quickly turned heated.
Ostapenko accused Townsend of having “no class” and “no education” during the tense exchange.
Taking to her Instagram Story on Aug 30, the 28-year old issued a public apology, though never addressing Townsend by name.
“I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match. English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.”
The Latvian athlete expressed her gratitude for the support she’s received “as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a tennis player.”
“Goodbye New York and I look forward to being back next year,” Ostapenko, signing the message, “Jelena,” with the heart hands emoji.
Taylor, for her part, told reporters yesterday that she hadn’t heard from Jelena personally — nor did she have the time to read her apology, as she is still competing in the US Open.
“I don’t have time to be tapped in on what she’s got going on and what she says,” Taylor said, later adding, “I haven’t seen anything. I didn’t know, I don’t know what she said. But I’m still here. So I’m glad that she has the time to be able to do that.”
Townsend defeated the No. 25-ranked Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday’s match.