Latvian tennis firebrand Jelena Ostapenko has launched a scathing attack on ESPN's commentary team, accusing legends Chris Evert and Pam Shriver of delivering a "biased" and "disrespectful" broadcast during her US Open first-round victory.
The 2017 French Open champion secured a hard-fought win against American Taylor Townsend, but it was the analysis from the booth that dominated the post-match discussion. Ostapenko, never one to mince words, expressed her fury at what she perceived as a lack of professionalism from the broadcasting giants.
"They Are Not Doing Their Job Right"
In a blistering post-match press conference, Ostapenko didn't hold back. "I think they are completely biased and they are not doing their job right," she stated, her frustration palpable. "They are just sitting there and criticising every single player, not only me."
The 26-year-old singled out the commentary on her opponent's tactics, specifically the focus on Townsend's serve-and-volley game. Ostapenko argued that the pundits failed to give her due credit for adapting her own powerful baseline game to counter the strategy effectively.
A Pattern of Disrespect?
This incident is not the first time Ostapenko has clashed with on-air talent. Her comments suggest a growing irritation with what many players see as overly critical and simplistic analysis from former pros in the commentary box.
"It's not the first time they are criticising," she noted, implying a pattern of behaviour that extends beyond her own matches. Her outburst highlights the often-tense relationship between active athletes and the media analysts dissecting their every move.
Focus on the Fight, Not the Commentary
Despite the off-court drama, Ostapenko's performance on the court was a testament to her resilience. She navigated a tricky match against a crowd favourite playing an unconventional style, ultimately triumphing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The victory sets up an intriguing second-round clash at Flushing Meadows. While the headlines may be about her verbal volley at ESPN, her powerful groundstrokes remain her most potent weapon as she continues her campaign for a second Grand Slam title.
