Taylor Townsend responded to Jelena Ostapenko’s recent on-court behavior, stating she hadn’t heard about Ostapenko’s later apology regarding their earlier disputes. Townsend emphasized that she’s focused on her own game, without time to dwell on what others say or do.
“I didn’t know about it,” Townsend remarked, adding, “I’m still playing, and my priority is achieving my goals. I had a match today and got the job done.” She noted her determination to keep her focus on improving as a player and performing her best, suggesting that distractions aren’t welcome in her current mindset.
After beating Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 on Wednesday, tensions flared as Ostapenko had an outburst on the court, making provocative comments about Americans. Following this incident, several players, including Venus Williams and Coco Gauff, stepped in to support Townsend.
On Saturday, Ostapenko took to Instagram to apologize, explaining that her choice of words was poorly phrased and related to what she believes is tennis etiquette, not intending to offend anyone. She mentioned her ongoing journey of personal growth and expressed eagerness to see Townsend in New York again.
In response to Ostapenko’s apology, Townsend took the high road. After a recent doubles victory, she noted, “I’m glad she apologized. It’s a lesson for her. You can’t impose your expectations on others, and that’s what happened.” Townsend added that some reactions are rooted in the broader culture of sports.
Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova, the eighth seed, has been making waves at the US Open following her impressive performance at Wimbledon. After defeating Jacqueliner Stian in a tough three-set match, she is set to advance to the 16th round for the first time in Queens, continuing her momentum from recent tournaments.
Venus Williams, at 45, partnered with Leila Fernandez for a successful doubles match, further showcasing her enduring presence in the sport.
The first week of the US Open has seen its share of drama, not just from players but also from the enthusiastic crowd in New York. Gauff noted the passionate nature of the crowd, suggesting that New York can be a unique environment that heightens the intensity of competition. Jess Pegula echoed this sentiment, laughing about the crowd’s energetic, sometimes overwhelming demeanor.
