"Sometimes Jelena can lose control of her emotions," Sabalenka reflects on the incident between Ostapenko and Townsend

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 28/08/2025 à 07h26

2 min to read

Ostapenko Sabalenka Townsend

Aryna Sabalenka is still in the running to achieve the double at the US Open. Crowned last year at Flushing Meadows, the world number one has perfectly handled her first two rounds.

After her victory against Rebeka Masarova (7-5, 6-1), the Belarusian confirmed her form against Polina Kudermetova despite a tight first set (7-6, 6-2). For a spot in the round of 16, she will face Leylah Fernandez.

However, in a press conference, Sabalenka was questioned about the incident that occurred during the day between Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend on Court 11, in a tense match between the two women.

The Latvian felt that the American had no manners, claiming that Townsend did not respect certain tennis etiquette rules, which led to a very heated discussion between the two women at the net after the match point.

"I spoke to Jelena (Ostapenko) after the match. I didn't know what had happened. I have to say she's a nice girl, but she can sometimes lose control. Right now, she's dealing with some difficulties in life.

I didn't try to help her handle it in a more mature way, but I just tried to help her calm down a bit. I think she just needed to talk to someone to let it go.

Sometimes, she can lose control of her emotions. I hope one day she'll be able to manage her emotions much better. When you have things to deal with off the court, it can affect your game, and you can become more unstable on the court.

You lose control and, in the moment, you wonder what's happening to you. I'm sure she's not happy with her behavior," Sabalenka stated to The Tennis Letter.