After a heated exchange with Jelena Ostapenko on Wednesday, Taylor Townsend and her doubles partner, Katerina Siniakova, played in front of a full grandstand and emerged victorious.
The incident, where Townsend claimed Ostapenko made comments about her character, became one of the main stories from the first week of the US Open. Townsend mentioned, “I think it was a big topic. It’s not every day you see that kind of intensity in a first-round doubles match. Whatever kind of attention it brings, it’s good for the sport.”
Reflecting on the atmosphere, Townsend added, “I’m really glad we had so many fans supporting us. It’s rare to see that kind of crowd in an early match. I think it’ll help us progress further.”
She expressed gratitude for the support she’s received from both fans and fellow players, including Ben Shelton, who backed her publicly, and Naomi Osaka, who criticized Ostapenko’s remarks as inappropriate.
Interestingly, Townsend noted she had yet to receive an apology from Ostapenko, who lost her doubles match the following day and did not address the media.
Regarding the incident, Townsend shared, “Many players mentioned it was quite rude. I mean, for her to point at me like that? It just showed a lack of sportsmanship. It seems a bit hypocritical to call me out on things she’s not exactly practicing herself.”
Despite the drama, Townsend emphasized she isn’t looking to prolong the situation. She commented on the increased visibility for the sport, which can be beneficial for athletes.
Looking ahead, the 29-year-old will play again in doubles and also face Mira Andreva in the singles draw on Friday. “I hope to see a lot of fans supporting us,” she remarked with a hint of humor about the attention following the incident.
“It’s important to stand up for yourself and your values. It’s not just about defending yourself but also representing your culture and moments,” she advised. “Always stay true to who you are, and don’t let anyone alter your character.”
