Taiwanese Tennis Stars’ Feud Intensifies at US Open

The US Open witnessed a dramatic clash between Taiwanese tennis stars Hsieh Su-wei and Chan Hao-ching. Their long-standing feud erupted in the Women’s Doubles Round of 16, resulting in on-court taunts, umpire confrontations, and a post-match handshake snub.

Hsieh partnered with Latvian player Jeļena Ostapenko to face Chan and Australian Maya Joint. The fourth-seeded Hsieh and Ostapenko triumphed with a straight-sets win of 6-4, 6-4.

During the match, tensions flared as Hsieh and Ostapenko accused Chan’s coach of taunting them. The coach allegedly applauded unforced errors and double faults in Mandarin. Since Ostapenko does not speak Mandarin, Hsieh translated the comments. Ostapenko labeled this behavior disrespectful, demanded a Chinese translator, and declared, “They do this because they know they cannot beat us.”

After securing the win, Ostapenko celebrated by shouting at Chan’s coaching box. The animosity continued at the net, where Chan snubbed Hsieh by refusing a handshake and avoiding eye contact.

“They knew they couldn’t beat us” – Jeļena Ostapenko

The feud traces back to domestic disputes over resources and sports politics in Taiwan. Representing Taiwan internationally as “Chinese Taipei,” both competitors have faced issues with the Chinese Taipei Tennis Association. Allegations exist that the association favors Chan and her sister, Latisha Chan, over Hsieh in terms of funding and sponsorship.

A significant incident occurred during the 2016 Rio Olympics when Hsieh’s coach was sidelined in favor of the Chan sisters. Hsieh quit the event, igniting a decade-long grudge that resurfaced at the US Open.

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