👋 Welcome back to The Daily Theory, our morning rundown to help you stay on top of your favorite sport. I’m Allen McDuffee, your guide to all things tennis.

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Programming note: Today’s edition of The Daily Theory is somewhat abbreviated to accommodate a travel day.

Let’s tennis!

Four Points

🎾 The after-battle: We all knew that Taylor Townsend vs. Jelena Ostapenko had a strong possibility of being a spicy match. To be sure, Ostapenko had some words for fans as she took the loss in straight sets. But it’s what came after the final point that took things to a whole other level. The two were in each other’s faces, hurling accusations — some of which went a step too far. Ostapenko accused Townsend of not apologizing for a net cord winner and inappropriately warming up before the match, which she said meant Townsend had “no class and no education.”

  • What she said: “I chalk it up to being upset and, you know, she pulled out all the stops to try and break the momentum,” Townsend said after the match. “Sometimes people do that, but it is what it is. Still, there’s no beef. But again, like you guys saw, I didn’t back down because you’re not going to insult me, especially after I carried myself a certain type of way with nothing but respect. If I show respect to you, I expect respect as well. That’s just the fact of the matter.”
  • The Court Theory take: Under no circumstances should players apologize for a net cord winner. This is the appropriate response: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • Next: Townsend faces Mirra Andreeva on Friday. Ostapenko plays doubles.

🎾 Draper’s out: British number one Jack Draper has pulled out of the U.S. Open, citing continued problems with his arm that have kept him out of action since Wimbledon. Specifically, he’s been managing bone stress and bruising on the left humerus.

  • What he said: “Hi guys, I’m sorry to say I’ll be withdrawing from the U.S. Open,” Draper posted on social media. “I tried my very best to be here and give myself every chance to play but the discomfort in my arm has become too much and I have to do what is right and look after myself. Thank you for all the support. It means so much to me. Until next year NYC.”
  • Zoom out: It’s an unfortunate — but common — setback for the world number five, who has struggled with injuries for much of his young career.
  • Next: Draper is set to play in the Chengdu Open in China, which begins September 17. It’s unclear if he will be ready to compete.

🎾 Your attention, please: Just a few notes while you’re catching today’s action...

  • It’s not just Jack Draper. Zach Svajda suffered cramping yesterday. So did Lloyd Harris, which matched a scary back issue that he said shot up his neck and across his arm. There are some serious issues on the tour, and somebody needs to take charge.
  • Women’s doubles kicks off today (including Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez taking court), so be sure to catch some of that action.
  • If you don’t live in one of the few places where the film Who Is Stan Smith? showed, now is your chance to stream it. Thanks to <checks notes> P.C. Richard & Son (?!?), the documentary about Smith is available on ESPN+ and Hulu.
  • Naomi Osaka vs. Hailey Baptiste has the potential to be the match of the day. But you can take that with a grain of salt since I also suggested Caty McNally just might upset Emma Navarro yesterday. But! I was right about Rinderknech vs. Davidovich Fokina being a great battle.

🎾 Catch-up time: Are you just getting started with this year’s U.S. Open? We’ve got you covered! Check out the Court Theory guide to the U.S. Open, filled with all the big questions and fine details you need to enjoy this year’s tournament.