The new star of world tennis of 18-year-old Mirre Andreeva will play against the 29-year-old American Taylor Townsend in the match of the third circle of US Open. Townsend will probably receive a huge support for fans, and the point is not only that for her it is a home tournament. Now in the eyes of fans and colleagues Taylor is a victim of racism.

And all because of Elena Ostapenko, who arranged the main scandal of the tournament after the defeat from Townsend.

“I first encountered this”

The representative of Latvia Elena Ostapenko, who has Ukrainian roots, once again demonstrated that she could not restrain emotions after unsuccessful matches. In the game of the third circle, US Ostapenko (26th number in the WTA ranking) lost her face, yielding to the 139th racket of the world Taylor Towlor Towlor in two sets-5: 7, 1: 6.

When Townsend wanted to shake the opponent’s hand and thank her for the game, she faced an unreasonable tantrum of the loser of the tennis player. Elena expressed something to the American and actively gestured with his index finger. Naturally, at that moment the stands began to support the winner and make noise towards Ostapenko.

Soon the girls parted on the locker rooms, and the story could end there. However, the Latvian, angry with the defeat, did not calm down and continued to attack the rival, but already in social networks.

– I reminded her that she did not apologize when at the decisive moment the ball bounced off the cable. She replied that she might not apologize. There are rules in tennis that follow most players. I first encountered this. The fact that she plays at home does not mean that she can behave the way she pleases, ”said Ostapenko.

Taylor Townsend and Elena Ostapenko / Photo: © Clive Brunskill / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

“She told me that I have no education, no education”

Townsend did not become silent and told the fans in detail how Elena insulted her after the match.

“She told me that I have no upbringing, there is no education, and asked to see what would happen when we go beyond the United States.” I’m looking forward to. I defeated her in Canada, outside the United States. Let’s see what she will say, ”said Townsend.

At a press conference, the journalists immediately asked the American whether there was a racial subtext in Ostapenko’s comments. Townsend had the opportunity, if not to destroy his opponent’s career, then he certainly give her a lot of problems. However, the American answered evasively.

“You need to ask her about it.” I did not take this in this vein, but in the black community there is stigmatization due to the lack of education … although this is very far from the truth. So, whether it was related to racial affiliation, she can tell about it. The only thing that bothers me now is that we need to continue to move forward within the tournament, ”said Townsend.

Taylor Townsend / Photo: © Clive Brunskill / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

But the colleagues of the American tennis player saw the notorious context immediately and criticized Ostapenko.

– Honestly, it is difficult to choose words. I think it is obvious that this is one of the worst things that can be said to a dark -skinned tennis player in sports, where the whites prevail. And, of course, I know Taylor, I know how hard it works, I know how smart it is, so calling it uneducated or something like that is the most distant from the truth.

But if you sincerely ask me about the story with Ostapenko, then, honestly, this is not the most crazy of what she had ever said. I believe that this is an extremely unsuccessful time and the most inappropriate person who could be said. And I’m not sure if she knows the story of this in America. However, I am sure that she will not say this anymore. But yes, it was terrible. True, very bad, – quotes the Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka CNN.

The tennis player Kory Gauff supported the compatriot.

– Elena probably experienced certain emotions after the defeat. This should not be said, regardless of what you feel. Knowing Taylor personally, I can say that she is completely not like that. She is very kind. Every time I had difficulties on the court, she wrote to me to make sure that I was all right, ”said Gauff.

Ostapenko did not agree with the charges of racism and noted that she reproached the American only for disrespect.

– I never showed racism, I respect all the nations and the peoples of the world. But there are rules in tennis. And you can not use the support of the stands against the rival in a disrespectful way. Unfortunately, I’m from a small country, I have no such support and the ability to play at home. I always loved to play in the USA and on US Open and first encountered such a disrespect from an opponent, ”Ostapenko made excuses.

Interestingly, Elena still did not remain without support. The Belarusian tennis player Arina Sobolenko expressed confidence that Ostapenko was unhappy with her behavior. Sobolenko also hopes that the Latvian will “take up the mind.” After the scandal, Elena held a match in a paired category, after which she refused to communicate with the press, and the organizers referred to medical reasons.