The tennis world was once again thrown into controversy this week after Latvian tennis star Jelena Ostapenko allegedly referred to British player Emma Raducanu as an “Asian girl” during an off-court exchange, citing the fact that Raducanu’s mother is Chinese. The remark has sparked outrage across social media, with fans, commentators, and fellow athletes accusing Ostapenko of perpetuating racial stereotypes and showing blatant disrespect toward her peers.

This incident comes just months after Ostapenko was heavily criticized for comments and behavior perceived as racially discriminatory toward American player Taylor Townsend. At the time, the backlash was intense, with many urging her to reflect on her words and understand the importance of respect and inclusivity in professional sports. Now, with a second controversy erupting, critics say it demonstrates a disturbing pattern of conduct.

According to witnesses, the comment toward Raducanu occurred during a practice session ahead of a tournament. The exchange was not captured on official broadcast cameras, but multiple onlookers claim they heard Ostapenko make the remark in a dismissive tone while discussing Raducanu’s heritage. “It wasn’t said as a compliment,” one source familiar with the situation said. “It was meant to single her out based on her ethnicity, and that’s unacceptable.”

The reaction from the tennis community has been swift and overwhelmingly critical. Social media platforms lit up within hours of the story breaking, with hashtags like #StandWithEmma and #StopRacismInTennis trending worldwide. Prominent voices in the sport, including current and former players, weighed in to condemn the comment. “We should be celebrating diversity, not using it as a weapon to belittle someone,” wrote one WTA veteran on X (formerly Twitter).

Emma Raducanu herself has yet to issue a formal response, but her management team confirmed that they are aware of the situation. They indicated that Raducanu is focusing on her training and upcoming matches, but sources close to her suggest she was disappointed by the incident, particularly given her own commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in tennis.

Ostapenko, for her part, has not offered an apology or clarification. When approached by reporters after her latest match, she dismissed questions on the matter, saying she was “only here to talk about tennis.” Her refusal to address the issue has further fueled criticism, with many accusing her of avoiding accountability.

Advocates for equality in sports argue that incidents like this highlight the need for stronger education and consequences around issues of racism and discrimination. “Professional athletes are role models, whether they like it or not,” said one anti-racism campaigner. “When someone at this level repeatedly makes comments that demean others based on race or ethnicity, it normalizes prejudice and sends the wrong message to millions of fans.”

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has yet to release an official statement, though insiders say the matter is being reviewed. Disciplinary actions for such incidents can vary widely, ranging from warnings to fines or even suspensions, depending on the severity and whether the behavior is deemed part of a broader pattern.

For many fans, this latest episode has already damaged Ostapenko’s reputation. While her talent on the court is undeniable—she remains one of the most aggressive and unpredictable players in the game—her off-court remarks are now overshadowing her athletic achievements. Some are even calling for sponsors to reconsider their partnerships with her until she demonstrates a commitment to learning from her mistakes.

As the backlash continues to grow, the pressure is mounting on Ostapenko to address the controversy directly. Whether she chooses to apologize, explain, or remain silent could determine how this latest chapter in her career unfolds. For now, the tennis world remains divided—between those who believe in redemption through accountability and those who see a pattern that can no longer be ignored.