"Ostapenko said on Instagram that her anger stemmed from Townsend's refusal to apologise for benefitting from a net cord when the American's shot clipped the net and stayed in play and accused her of being disrespectful. Most players tend to hold up their racket in apology after winning such a point, following age-old traditions in the sport."
"I wanted to apologise for some of the things I said during my second-round singles match, Ostapenko said on Saturday. English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court. I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a player."
Taylor Townsend beat 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in the US Open second round. Ostapenko and Townsend exchanged words after their handshake, with Townsend revealing Ostapenko accused her of having 'no class and no education' and questioning potential racial undertones. Ostapenko said her anger arose from Townsend not apologising after benefitting from a net-cord point and accused Townsend of being disrespectful; players often raise rackets in apology after such points. Naomi Osaka condemned Ostapenko's wording as especially harmful toward a Black player. Ostapenko apologised on Instagram, citing English not as her native language and blaming etiquette concerns; Townsend accepted the apology and called it a lesson about expectations.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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