I hate to see that," Gauff reacts to altercation between Townsend and Ostapenko

The altercation between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend at the US Open has made waves across the tennis world and has not gone without reactions.

When asked about the incident, Coco Gauff was quick to defend her compatriot. She stated: "Taylor has always warmed up at the net since she was playing juniors. I played her in Challenger when I was 14, and that's what she was doing.

It's not against the rules. I think Jelena was probably feeling some emotions after her loss. She shouldn't have said that, no matter how she felt, especially considering the reasons she gave.

Knowing Taylor personally, I know she is the complete opposite. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Whenever I go through a tough time on the court, she texts me to check in.

I know what was said, and I think it was in the heat of the moment. I really hate to see that.

This might be one of the first times people are learning who Taylor Townsend is, and I don't want this to be the main takeaway, because she is so much more than that.

She is a mother, a great friend. She is a talented tennis player and a good person. I hope that by the end of the tournament, people will get to know Taylor better and look beyond what was said during the last match.