You Have No Class, No Education

 

Tennis star Jelena Ostapenko lashed out at her unseeded American rival Taylor Townsend after losing their match at the US Open.

 

Townsend secured a straight-sets victory over the 25th-seeded Ostapenko, winning 7-5, 6-1.

 

Following the match, Ostapenko criticized Townsend for lacking sportsmanship, leading to a heated exchange between the two players.

 

At one point, Townsend retorted, “I don’t have to do anything,” as Ostapenko repeatedly gestured toward her.

 

Townsend later walked away, shook hands with the umpire, and celebrated with the cheering crowd.

 

“She claimed I had no education, no class, and even hinted at consequences if we met outside the tournament,” Townsend revealed in her post-match interview.

 

She continued: “I told her to bring it on—I’m not one to back down from confrontation. The whole situation was just bizarre.

“There’s no real issue here, but I won’t tolerate disrespect when I’ve shown nothing but professionalism. If I give respect, I expect the same in return.

“At the end of the day, I let my game do the talking. I’m the one advancing, securing my next paycheck, while she’s heading home. That’s what counts.

“She’s gone, and I’m still here—that’s all that matters.”

 

Ostapenko later took to Instagram, expressing frustration over Townsend’s refusal to apologize for a disputed net cord during the match.

 

The 28-year-old also accused Townsend of breaking tennis etiquette by beginning her warm-up at the net.

 

“I confronted her because she showed no respect after a crucial net ball went her way, and she didn’t even apologize,” Ostapenko stated.

 

“There are unwritten rules in tennis, and this was the first time I’ve experienced such behavior from a competitor.

“Playing at home doesn’t give her the right to act however she pleases.”

 

Watch the altercation in the video below.