Overview

• In an Instagram post, Jelena Ostapenko said English is not her native language and that her use of “education” referred to tennis etiquette, acknowledging her words offended people beyond the court.
• The confrontation followed Taylor Townsend’s second‑round win, with Ostapenko telling her she had “no class” and “no education” after a point aided by a net cord and a pre‑match warm‑up she viewed as improper.
• Townsend welcomed the public apology as “nice” and a lesson for Ostapenko, said she learned of it from the media, and noted she has not received a private outreach.
• The remarks drew strong reaction over racial undertones, with Naomi Osaka calling the phrasing especially harmful to a Black player; Townsend said she did not interpret it as racist but recognized the stigma tied to the words.
• Townsend has advanced to the fourth round to face Barbora Krejčíková and remains active in doubles, while Ostapenko’s singles run is over.