Tennis star Taylor Townsend eliminated Jelena Ostapenko, 7-5, 6-1, in their second-round US Open match. But their post-match showdown is what’s garnering all the attention.

According to The Athletic, the disagreement stems from Ostapenko demanding that  Townsend apologize for a shot that clipped the top of the net but remained in play, which is known as a net cord.

In the footage, Townsend appears to say, "No, I don't have to say sorry.” Afterwards, Ostapenko can be seen repeatedly and angrily pointing her finger at Townsend.

During her interview following the match, Townsend, who is ranked No. 1 in doubles, shared what Ostapenko said to her when they met at the net.

“She said I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S., so I'm looking forward to it,” Townsend said. “I mean, I beat her in Canada, outside the U.S. I beat her in New York [inside] the U.S., so let's see what else she has to say.”

During her post-match press conference, Townsend spoke further about Ostapenko, expressing that there has "never been any history" between the two.

"I chalk it up to being upset and, you know, she pulled out all the stops to try and break the momentum. Sometimes people do that, but it is what it is," she said. 

As the post-conference went on, Townsend was asked if there were racial undertones to Ostapenko's comments and behavior.

"I'm very proud as a Black woman being out here representing myself and representing us and our culture,” Townsend answered. “I make sure that I do everything that I can to be the best representation possible every time that I step on the court and even off the court.”

"So I can't speak on how she felt about it. That's something that you're going to have to ask her. I didn't take it in that way, but also, 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."

In a lengthy post, Ostapenko described Townsend as “very disrespectful” for not saying “sorry” after "she had a net ball in a very deciding moment." She also denied that she was being racist.

"Her answer was that she doesn't have to say sorry at all," Ostapenko added. "There are some rules of tennis which most of the players follow, and it was the first time ever that this happened to me on tour. If she plays in her homeland it doesn't mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants."