Osaka shows where loyalty lies in swipe at Jelena | Sports News

Naomi Osaka urged that Jelena Ostapenko has a monitor document of making divisive feedback when questioned about her explosive confrontation with Taylor Townsend at the US Open.

Osaka dominated Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday to secure her spot in the third spherical of the US Open, marking her first look at that stage since 2021. During her post-match media session, Osaka was questioned in regards to the Ostapenko-Townsend drama from Wednesday.

Ostapenko erupted after her second-round defeat to Townsend, declaring she had “no class” and “no education” whereas accusing her of exhibiting disrespect all through their match. Following intense criticism, Ostapenko pushed back in opposition to racism accusations on social media, with Osaka suggesting she’s made even more inflammatory remarks on courtroom beforehand.

Townsend dismissed Ostapenko as “comical” when sharing her facet of the story, although she rejected any ideas that her rival’s feedback have been racially motivated. Ostapenko tried to make clear her place on social media, alleging that Townsend did not apologize after gaining a level from a lucky internet wire.

Ostapenko additional claimed that Townsend violated correct tennis protocol during warm-ups, which contributed to her anger. Ostapenko had additionally been forward 5-3 in the opening set earlier than fully falling aside and surrendering 9 consecutive video games to Townsend.

Multiple tennis stars have been questioned in regards to the controversy at the US Open, with Frances Tiafoe opting to remain out of the dialogue. Aryna Sabalenka revealed she had spoken with Ostapenko and urged she is perhaps coping with personal challenges.

Now, Osaka has supplied her perspective. Osaka was questioned about whether or not Ostapenko’s feedback have been deeply offensive given Townsend’s background and America’s troubled racial historical past.

“Yeah, I saw that part obviously. It’s been on the TV, like, every 15 minutes,” Osaka mentioned. “I mean, it’s really difficult to say. I think obviously it’s one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport.

“And granted, I do know Taylor and I do know how exhausting she’s labored and I do know how sensible she is, so she’s the furthest factor from uneducated or something like that. But in the event you’re like genuinely asking me in regards to the historical past of Ostapenko, I do not suppose that is the craziest factor she’s mentioned. I’m going to be sincere.

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“I think it’s ill timing and the worst person you could have ever said it to. And I don’t know if she knows the history of it in America. But I know she’s never going to say that ever again in her life. But, yeah, I mean, it was just terrible. Like, that’s just really bad.”

Osaka additionally rejected Ostapenko’s justification relating to Townsend’s failure to apologize for a lucky internet wire. When requested how she would reply in such a state of affairs, Osaka replied: “Honestly, I probably don’t care either way.

“And I undoubtedly would not care to the purpose where it will have an effect on me that a lot that I get very indignant. I believe it is up to the individual whether or not they apologize or not, but when it is actually close, then I can see why they do not apologize.”