Taylor Townsend kicked off her US Open run in style! The doubles World No. 1 is holding her own in singles too, cruising past her first two opponents. But things turned tense in her 7-5, 6-1 second-round win when a net cord rolled her way. That moment set off 25th seed Jelena Ostapenko, who accused her of not apologizing. According to Taylor, “She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the US.” Townsend, as cool as ever, accepted the challenge to meet again outside the US swing. The fiery exchange sparked plenty of chatter among players and insiders.

Jumping into the conversation was 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, now calling matches for ESPN. She backed her fellow American without hesitation. “People are emotional when they l

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