NEW YORK: Naomi Osaka stated utilizing phrases like “no training” and “no class” to criticise a Black tennis participant had been among the many worst issues to say, as debate raged over a heated row between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko on the US Open on Thursday.
Townsend, who’s Black, overcame 2017 French Open champion Ostapenko 7-5 6-1 in a troublesome second-round battle a day earlier, however the true rigidity got here shortly after match level when the pair verbally clashed on the web, with the Latvian repeatedly wagging her finger on the American.
Townsend revealed a part of the trade throughout her on-court interview, after which she stated in a press convention that Ostapenko must reply if there have been “racial undertones” to the altercation.
Ostapenko stated on Instagram later that her anger stemmed from Townsend’s refusal to apologise after successful a degree at a pivotal second when her ball clipped the online and stayed in play, accusing the American of being “disrespectful”.
The Latvian added in one other assertion that she had by no means been racist in her life, however Osaka weighed in, saying the phrases Ostapenko used in the course of the altercation had been in unhealthy style.
“It’s one of many worst issues you may say to a Black tennis participant in a majority White sport,” four-times Grand Slam champion Osaka stated.
“I do know Taylor and I understand how arduous she’s labored and I understand how good she is, so she’s the furthest factor from uneducated or something like that.”
Osaka, born to a Japanese mom and Haitian father, has been an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter motion each in the US, the place she lives, and in Japan. She was lauded for supporting the marketing campaign throughout her run to the Flushing Meadows title in 2020.
The 27-year-old used her platform to focus on racial injustice in the US to a wider viewers by carrying completely different black face masks – every bearing the identify of an African American killed lately – earlier than every of her seven matches.
“When you’re genuinely asking me in regards to the historical past of Ostapenko, I don’t suppose that’s the craziest factor she’s stated. I’m going to be sincere,” Osaka continued with a smile.
“I feel it was ill-timed and stated to the worst doable particular person. And I don’t know if she is aware of the historical past of it in America.
“I do know she’s by no means going to say that ever once more in her life. However yeah, it was simply horrible. That’s actually unhealthy.”
Turning to the principle reason behind the controversy, Osaka stated she wouldn’t care if an opponent apologised or not for a web twine.
“I positively wouldn’t care to the purpose the place it might have an effect on me a lot that I acquired very offended,” Osaka stated.
“It’s as much as the particular person whether or not they apologise or not, but when it’s actually shut, I can see why they don’t.”
