"There was no body positivity movement. That didn’t exist": Taylor Townsend recalls junior outcast after becoming doubles No. 1
WTA
The new doubles world No. 1 Taylor Townsend gave an emotional speech after winning the DC Open title alongside China's Shuai Zhang. The American had partnered with Katerina Siniakova – the former No. 1 for the last few years – throughout the year, and they remained almost tied in points until a week ago, with the Czech leading slightly.
However, this week's results, where Townsend claimed the DC title with Zhang, provided a surge in her ranking, propelling her to the top of the doubles ranking for the first time in her career.
In the final, they faced local favorites Sofia Kenin and Caroline Dolehide, securing a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 victory. It was Townsend's 10th career doubles title, a player who hasn't been able to excel in singles as much as was expected in her youth, where she was considered one of the great prospects for the future of tennis.
Indeed, Townsend became the Junior No. 1 in 2012, winning the Australian Open singles title. At 16, she was the world's top-ranked junior player but was told by the USTA to focus on fitness, which led to her missing the Junior US Open and having her funding revoked.
"I have had to go through some of the hardest struggles and the most personal struggles in the public eye. Some really very kind of intimate topics that had to be a topic of conversation literally around the world as a child and having to defend myself as a kid," said Taylor Townsend.
"There hasn’t been anyone who has gone through what I went through since I went through it, so I think things have changed a little bit -- which is great, right? When I was going through the whole body image thing, there was no body positivity movement. That didn’t exist," the new doubles world No. 1 stated
From Junior prodigy to doubles dominator: Townsend's journey to World No. 1
Her first appearance in a Grand Slam main draw was at the French Open 2014, where at 18, she reached the third round – defeating local top-20 Alize Cornet on her way, before being eliminated by Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro (14th seed). Only on two other occasions has she achieved consecutive wins in a Grand Slam tournament: US Open 2019 (4th round) and 2023 (3rd round). Townsend reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 46 in 2024, but currently sits at only No. 97.
However, in doubles, she has been one of the best over the last couple of seasons. Since January 2023, she has won 8 doubles titles – including Wimbledon 2024 and Australian Open 2025 – both alongside Katerina Siniakova. The Czech this week attended the Prague Open, where she only competed in the singles draw (reaching the quarterfinals), thus losing the opportunity to add points, allowing Townsend to sneak in as the No. 1 in doubles for the first time.
Townsend's Son Steals the Show
After her doubles triumph, the American gave a special speech, joined by her son Adyn. Let's remember that Townsend is one of the players on Tour who has paused her career for maternity. The American took a year-long break in 2021 and returned to the Tour in 2022. Since then, she has had the best moments of her career, in both singles and doubles.
Her son made his presence felt during the speech, creating a funny moment by grabbing the microphone during the champions' speech: "My mom had a good match... and a big dog."
Read also
This is my favorite winners speech ever 😭😂 Taylor's son is adorable pic.twitter.com/u4k6IPajmc
— Owen (@kostekcanu) July 26, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
