Jelena Ostapenko apologizes after sparking US Open racism scandal as Taylor Townsend’s mom slams tennis star
Jelena Ostapenko apologized to American tennis player Taylor Townsend for his comments that led to a debate on racism that clearly overshadowed the US.
Ostapenko from the black Townsend and Latvia, Townsend was intense back and forth after winning on straight sets this week, Ostapenko told the American ‘class’ and ‘no education’.
Ostapenko rejected that the comments were racist and now issued an apology on Instagram.
He wrote without giving the name Townsend: ‘Hello All – I wanted to apologize for some things I said during my second round single match.
‘English is not my mother -in -law, so when I said education, I was talking about I just believed as tennis manners, but I understand how the words I use can disturb many people beyond the tennis court.
As a person and tennis player, I appreciate the support while continuing to learn and grow. Goodbye New York and I look forward to going back next year. ‘
He came after Townsend’s mother’s mother accused Ostapenko of making a racial interpretation of her daughter.
Jelena Ostapenko apologized to Taylor Townsend, who led to a racing debate.
Sheila Townsend, Palm Beach Post told, “` `This is a black tennis player who experiences this reaction as a black person, I know exactly what he said, ” he said.
What he said was a racial interpretation. What does his education have to do with anything in the tennis match? The match had nothing to do with him. So this is something that he should feel from the beginning.
‘In the heat of the competition, as a competitive tennis player, I understand, if the comment is about his game, then something. But it wasn’t for the game.
“ `Loses for the first time not with poor sportsmanship. But did he tell another white person his training? Did he point to a white player who might have lost his finger? I haven’t seen it and I watch it as long as they play. ‘
So far, when he denied his words, he doubled his anger in Townsend, which he accused of disrespectful behavior when he was racist.
Ostapenko, Instagram’da “There are some rules in tennis, and unfortunately the crowd with you, you can not use your opponent without disrespect.” He said.
Unfortunately, it comes from such a small country for me for a great support and I have no chance to play in the homeland. I always liked to play in the USA and the United States, but this is disrespectful for the first time. ‘
In a separate and later deleted social media post, Ostapenko added: ‘It was very disrespectful because it was a clear ball at a time, and I was sorry, but the answer did not have to say I was sorry.’
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