"It's one of the worst things you can say to a Black player in a predominantly white sport," Osaka's reaction to the controversy between Ostapenko and Townsend

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Jules Hypolite

le 28/08/2025 à 23h30

1 min to read

Osaka Ostapenko Townsend US Open

The dispute between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend, which occurred yesterday after the American's qualification for the second round, has made headlines around the world.

Ostapenko reportedly criticized her opponent for lacking education and class during the match. These remarks did not go unnoticed and sparked numerous reactions, from Ben Shelton to Aryna Sabalenka, and now Naomi Osaka.

"Of course, I saw what happened. It was on TV every 15 minutes. It's hard to say. I think it's one of the worst things you can say to a Black player in a predominantly white sport. I know Taylor, I know how hard she's worked and how smart she is.

She is far from being someone without education. But if you really ask me about Ostapenko, I don't think this is the craziest thing she could have said. I'll be honest. I think the timing is very bad and she picked the worst person to say something like that to.

And I don't know if she's aware of the history related to all of this in the United States. But I know she will never say something like that again in her life," said the Japanese player, who has qualified for the third round, during her press conference.