'English is not my native language': Ostapenko apologises for telling opponent she has 'no education'

(Getty/Clive Brunskill)

Days after blasting her opponent for having "no class and no education", Jeļena Ostapenko has apologised for misunderstanding American history, citing a language barrier.

After her straight sets defeat against world No.139 Taylor Townsend, the former French Open winner was furious that Townsend didn't say sorry for winning a point with the help of a net cord.

"You have to say sorry," Ostapenko said, before Townsend responded, "No, I don't have to," and added that the Latvian "doesn't know how to take an L".

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Townsend, who required a main draw wildcard, was asked about the heated altercation after the match, revealing what was said between the pair.

"Saying I have no education and no class, I don't really take that personally, because I know that it's so far from the truth and so far from anything," she said.

Linked to racism by parts of the tennis world, Ostapenko issued an apology.

"I wanted to apologise for some of the things I said during my second round singles match," Ostapenko shared on her Instagram story.

"English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking about what I believe was tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the court.

"I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a tennis player."

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Ostapenko didn't attend the post-match press conference, but instead posted a message on Instagram to clarify the controversy without an apology.

"Wow. How many messages I received that I am a racist. I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world. For me, it doesn't matter where you come from," she wrote.

"There are rules in tennis and unfortunately when the crowd is with you, you can't use it in a disrespectful way to your opponent. Unfortunately for me, coming from such a small country, I don't have that huge support and a chance to play in (my) homeland.

"I always loved to play in the US and US Open, but this is the first time someone is approaching the match this disrespectful way."

Although Townsend doesn't believe Ostapenko intended to be racist, she explained that there is a duty of care when it comes to the selection of words.

"I didn't take it in that way, but also, you know, that has been a stigma in our community of being not educated and all of the things when it's the furthest thing from the truth," Townsend said.

"I don't really take that personally, because I know that it's so far from the truth and so far from anything."

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