US Open Tennis Ethics Dispute Erupts Between Townsend, Ostapenko

A post-match dispute between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko at the 2025 US Open highlighted tensions around tennis sportsmanship rather than gameplay. Ostapenko criticized Townsend for not apologizing after a net-cord shot that helped Townsend win a point, calling her "classless" and "disrespectful," which sparked a heated exchange between the players. This incident raised awareness about the unwritten etiquette in tennis where players often raise a hand as an apology for lucky net-cord shots, though the gesture is sometimes seen as insincere. Ostapenko's confrontation also brought attention to the tradition of the post-match handshake, a moment meant to show grace despite the intense competition, which she has been previously known to challenge. Townsend denied any intentional disrespect and asked the crowd to celebrate her victory despite the controversy. The conflict underscores the ongoing debate in tennis about the balance between formal politeness and genuine sportsmanship on the court.