‘It’s Bigger Than Me:’ Taylor Townsend Stuns World No. 5 to Reach US Open Fourth Round After Jelena Ostapenko Controversy

September 2, 2025

American tennis player Taylor Townsend upset world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva in the third round of the US Open, winning 7-5, 6-2 in just 76 minutes. The victory advances Townsend, more known for her doubles expertise as a reigning Australian Open women's doubles champion and world No.

Who is affected

Taylor Townsend, American tennis player and world No. 1 in doubles
Mirra Andreeva, world No. 5 tennis player who was defeated
Jelena Ostapenko, who had a tense post-match exchange with Townsend
Naomi Osaka, who criticized Ostapenko's comments
Tennis fans and spectators at the US Open
The broader tennis community, particularly regarding issues of sportsmanship and race

What action is being taken

Taylor Townsend is advancing in the US Open singles tournament after defeating Mirra Andreeva
Townsend is wearing phoenix-inspired tennis outfits with flame designs that represent her personal and professional transformation
The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium is supporting Townsend with a standing ovation
Townsend is maintaining her focus on tennis despite the controversy with Ostapenko

Why it matters

Townsend's victory represents a significant upset as she is ranked 134 places below Andreeva
The controversy highlights issues of race and sportsmanship in tennis, with Osaka specifically noting the racial implications of Ostapenko's "no education" comment to a Black player in a predominantly White sport
Townsend is demonstrating her ability to excel in singles competition despite being primarily known for doubles success
The incident shines a spotlight on unwritten rules of tennis etiquette, such as apologizing for net cord points

What's next

Townsend will face two-time grand slam singles winner Barbora Krejčíková in the fourth round of the US Open

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint