"I don't want to do it but I know I can": Taylor Townsend describes heartbreak of being away from son for months while on tour

American tennis player Taylor Townsend has had to ease her way back onto the tennis court after giving birth to her son, Adyn. The 28-year old recently spoke about the struggles faced as she adapted to continuing her professional career while raising her first child.

Known for her superb doubles play, Townsend has also shined at some singles events. The 28 Chicago native has reached as high as World No.57 in singles, but has broken into the top 10 rankings in doubles, attaining a career-high of World No.5 in 2023.

After giving birth to Adyn two years ago, Townsend has had to regain her form in order to compete on both the singles and doubles circuit. The American admits she was initially intimidated at the prospect of doing both while raising her child. However, time and a good schedule management have enabled her to overcome her fears.

"Thankfully, my coach and I have an understanding and we communicate," Townsend said on the WTA Insider Podcast. "We have that open communication so I don't feel bad or I can't say that if it's how I'm feeling. But I also know this is my job. This is a dream of mine and I know I'm pushing towards certain goals. So I understand that I have to do things that make me a little bit more uncomfortable sometimes.

"I did that a lot last year. I spent three months away from my son. That was really hard and that was a huge challenge for me. But I did it and I got through it, so I know that I can do it now -- I don't want to do it -- but I know I can. We definitely plan so I don't get burned out. I think that shows. I'm not injured, I haven't had any injuries, and I'm not taped up."