Young alleges racial remarks in heated New York Open argument with Harrison

Fellow Americans Ryan Harrison and Donald Young got into a heated argument during their first-round match at the inaugural New York Open on Monday night. It became even uglier on Twitter afterward, as Young alleged that Harrison made some racially-charged comments–which Harrison denied.

Audio from the altercation is unclear at this point.

The courtside audio is all but non-existent, but looks pretty hostile at the new New York Open between Ryan Harrison and Donald Young. pic.twitter.com/qYH3n8C3dB

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 13, 2018

Harrison ended up prevailing 6-3, 7-6(4) after one hour and 31 minutes, improving to 3-1 lifetime in the head-to-head series with Young. There was a handshake following the match…but just barely.

Here is the Donald Young handshake after the 1st Rd loss to Harrison followed by RH yelling towards DY #NewYorkOpen #ATP pic.twitter.com/zMbx6zhyMn

— John Horn (@SportsHorn) February 13, 2018

Rumors of what was said during the argument began when Young’s girlfriend took to Twitter. “When Donald yelled, ‘C’mon,'” Valentina Lee wrote, “Ryan got mad and told him, ‘That’s what all you black people do.'” Shortly thereafter, Young also alleged that something racial in nature took place. Harrison responded just a few minutes later, denying Young’s allegations.

I’m shocked and disappointed, Ryan Harrison, to hear you tell me how you really feel about me as a black tennis player in the middle of our NY match. I thought this was supposed to be an inclusive gentleman’s sport.

— Donald Young Jr (@Yimlife1313) February 13, 2018

The accusations made by Donald Young tonight following our match are absolutely untrue. I’m extremely disappointed that someone would say this in reaction to a lost tennis match. Any video/audio will 100% clear me and I encourage anyone with the available resources to find it.

— Ryan Harrison (@ryanharrison92) February 13, 2018