Tennis, beyond its fierce on-court rivalries, often sparks both strong bonds and occasional tensions between players. Recently, Naomi Osaka took a subtle jab at Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend’s controversial exchange at the US Open. The reference, however, had Townsend in stitches, and she later shared her reaction.
The drama erupted when Townsend toppled 25th seed Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 in the second round. In fact, it was later at the net that the ordinary post-match handshake quickly gave way to a tense standoff. Townsend later revealed that Ostapenko had called her ‘no class’ and ‘uneducated,’ even threatening potential trouble if they met outside the U.S.
How Did Naomi Osaka’s Instagram Post Draw Taylor Townsend’s Attention Days After US Open Incident?
Osaka had earlier addressed the heated encounter, sharply criticizing Ostapenko’s choice of words and emphasizing how wrong it was to direct such remarks at a Black player in a “majority-white sport.”
The Japanese star enjoyed a phenomenal run at Flushing Meadows, finishing as a semifinalist. Days after her campaign, she shared a few photos on Instagram, showcasing her time in New York. The post featured shots of herself, the men’s final, and her access pass, but intriguingly concluded with a picture of Taylor Townsend during her heated exchange with the Latvian.
Spotting herself at the end of the post, Townsend couldn’t help but laugh in the comments and was seemingly pleased to make a cameo.
“LAST SLIDE HAS ME ON THE FLOOR😂 love how you slid that in there😭 real love,” she wrote in the comments.
Beyond her dominant on-court performance, Osaka also turned heads by bringing her custom-made Lububu to Flushing Meadows. One photo from her post even showcased a red, sparkling version that caught Townsend’s attention. The American couldn’t resist reacting and asked:
“What was the finals labubu going to be called?”
Osaka gave the adorable creation a playful nickname, along with a quirky revelation.
“Maybe Glowsaka and it was going to be my outfit for last year. I am sickkk,” she replied.
Townsend had an impressive run at the 2025 US Open, reaching the fourth round and matching her career-best performance at Flushing Meadows from 2019. She also shone in women’s doubles with Kateřina Siniaková, advancing all the way to the final before falling to third seeds Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski. Her gritty performances even drew praise from Osaka.
How Did Osaka Fare at Her North American Hard-Court Swing?
Osaka, determined to move past a streak of early setbacks, entered the North American hard-court swing with fresh purpose. After bowing out in the second round in Washington, DC, she surged at the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, ultimately claiming the runner-up spot.
But Osaka’s comeback wasn’t just confined to Montreal. She turned her focus to the stage that has long been her stronghold, the US Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion rediscovered her rhythm, defeating tough opponents Daria Kasatkina, third seed Coco Gauff, and 11th seed Karolína Muchová to reach the semifinals.
Comeback complete for Amanda Anisimova! pic.twitter.com/JOkSqrxgJi
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
Osaka showed strong promise against Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, but the American proved too crafty, eventually winning 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 6-3 to reach her second straight Grand Slam final of the season.
With that, the former World No. 1’s run at Flushing Meadows ended, yet there were plenty of positives to take away.
AloJapan.com