Overview

• Jelena Ostapenko posted an Instagram apology clarifying her on-court comment to Taylor Townsend and acknowledging it offended people beyond tennis.
• Taylor Townsend called the apology nice and a learning lesson, noted she received no private outreach, and said she is focused on continuing her tournament.
• The dispute began after Townsend did not apologize for a net-cord winner and for pre-match warm-up positioning, customs that are etiquette rather than formal rules.
• Naomi Osaka criticized the phrase as especially harmful toward a Black player, adding to broader reaction from players and fans about the language used.
• Townsend rode the spotlight to upset No. 5 Mirra Andreeva to reach the fourth round and will face Barbora Krejčíková, while also advancing in doubles with Kateřina Siniaková.