Naomi Osaka delivers verdict on Jelena Ostapenko’s ‘terrible’ comments about Taylor Townsend, ‘that’s just really bad’

Naomi Osaka is the latest star to deliver her thoughts on the outstanding controversy that has come out of the US Open.

Unsurprisingly, it once again involved Jelena Ostapenko, who has come under tremendous fire for her post-match outburst at Taylor Townsend.

Having lost the match, the two engaged in a frosty handshake at the net, before the Latvian branded her opponent ‘disrespectful’ and ‘uneducated’, a claim that has caused particular scrutiny.

And now, asked her thoughts on the incident, Osaka has delivered her cautious, but intelligent insight.

Naomi Osaka reacts to Jelena Ostapenko’s US Open controversy with Taylor Townsend

As someone who has always stood up for what she believes in, her solidarity with Townsend was refreshing, but unsurprising.

Asked about the potential racial undertones of Ostapenko’s claims, Osaka admitted: “Yeah, I mean, I saw that part, obviously. It’s been on the TV, like, every 15 minutes.

Um.. I mean, it’s really difficult to say. I think, obviously, it’s one of the worst things that you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport.

“And granted, I know Taylor, and I know how hard she’s worked, and I know how smart she is, so she’s the furthest thing from uneducated or anything like that. But, um, if you’re, like, genuinely asking me about the history of Ostapenko, I don’t think that’s the craziest thing she said. I’m gonna be honest.

More Man City News

“I think it’s ill-timed, 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 gonna say that, ever again in her life, but, um, yeah, I mean, it’s just terrible. Like, that’s just really bad.”

Ostapenko took to social media to explain her issue with Townsend, but did not come close to issuing an apology.

What other players on tour are saying about the Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend situation

Plenty of players, unsurprisingly, have been asked to offer their thoughts on this huge US Open controversy.

Frances Tiafoe reacted to Ostapenko’s comments, as he claimed there was ‘no need to go there’.

Aryna Sabalenka weighed in with a message to the 28-year-old, claiming: “I spoke with Jelena after the match, but during our conversation, I still don’t know what happened.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

“She is nice, but sometimes she can lose control. She has some things in life to face and some struggles. I was just trying to help her.

“I think sometimes she can lose control of her emotions which is pretty tough, and I really hope that one day she will figure it out herself and handle it much better.”

Townsend has since reacted to Ostapenko’s comments in her post-match press conference, delivering a calm and measured response to such controversy.

Click here to read article