Tension on the Court: A Story of Rivalry and Resentment
A Fiery Encounter at the US Open Doubles Tournament
The 2026 US Open witnessed a memorable doubles match involving Jeļena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei, which was characterized by its contentious nature. Their victory was not just a sporting achievement but also a focal point of drama, largely due to palpable frustration directed at their opponents' coaching team. The match concluded without the customary handshake between Hsieh and Chan Hao-ching, highlighting a deep-seated rivalry that has simmered for years.
Dominant Performance Amidst Mounting Controversy
Ostapenko and Hsieh, seeded fourth, showcased their formidable partnership by maintaining an unbeaten record, securing a decisive 6-4, 6-4 win. This victory earned them a spot in the quarterfinals, demonstrating their strength against formidable opponents. However, their triumph was overshadowed by their vocal complaints regarding what they perceived as excessive coaching and shouting from their rivals' box, prompting them to involve match officials.
Post-Match Outburst and Unresolved Tensions
Following their victory, the pair's frustration boiled over. Ostapenko explicitly expressed her displeasure towards Chan's team, while Hsieh also engaged in a pointed celebration directed at them. This culminated in Chan's departure from the court without acknowledging Hsieh, underscoring the deep rift between the players. This incident mirrored a similar snub at the 2025 China Open, indicating a persistent animosity.
The Roots of a Bitter Feud: Hsieh's Grievances
The animosity between Hsieh and Chan dates back several years, stemming from Hsieh's public accusations against the Chinese Taipei Tennis Association (CTTA). She claimed that the CTTA showed favoritism towards Chan Hao-ching and her sister Latisha Chan. A significant point of contention arose during the 2016 Rio Olympics when the Chan sisters were permitted to have their father as a coach, a request denied to Hsieh, leading to her withdrawal from the Olympics and a vow to cease representing Taiwan internationally.
Escalating Family Disputes and Subsequent Controversies
The feud extended to their families, most notably when Latisha Chan allegedly left Hsieh Su-wei's brother, Hsieh Cheng-peng, in a difficult situation prior to a mixed doubles semifinal in 2017. Latisha later withdrew from a tournament due to illness but controversially appeared at the US Open shortly thereafter, winning a women's doubles title. These events further fueled the public and personal discord between the two tennis families.
The Billie Jean King Cup Incident and Ongoing Fallout
Despite Hsieh's return to international competition, the conflict persisted. Her initial exclusion from the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup squad, after Latisha Chan's appointment as captain, reignited the controversy. Hsieh's subsequent protest led to Latisha stepping down from her captaincy, highlighting the profound and lasting impact of their rivalry. Given this extensive history, the lack of a handshake at the US Open was hardly a surprise.
Focusing on Future Challenges Amidst Past Tensions
With the drama of their recent victory behind them, Jeļena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei are now concentrating on their upcoming quarterfinal match at the New York Major. They are set to face the eighth-seeded duo of Elise Mertens and Diana Shnaider, aiming to channel their energy into continued success in the tournament.
