"This is gonna motivate me to go even harder" - Taylor Townsend pleased with US Open result 10 years after USTA controversy
WTA
Former junior world No.1 Taylor Townsend reached her maiden career Grand Slam doubles final at the 2022 US Open, 10 years after a controversial US Open saga involving then 16-year-old Townsend and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
The American and her doubles partner Caty McNally lost Sunday's US Open women's doubles final against the third-seeded pairing of Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova. Despite the result, an upbeat Townsend exuded confidence regarding her future and reflected on the journey so far.
Read also
Townsend, who gave birth to her son Adyn Aubrey just 18 months ago, made a strong statement about the 2023 season and aims to secure a lot more success on tour.
"This has been such an amazing journey. This one hurts but this isn't the last time I'm gonna be out here, I'm confident of that," Townsend said in her on-court speech after the US Open final.
"I've put in the work, I've earned my way to be here and I think everyone sees that. And I'm gonna continue to put my head down and grind and this is gonna motivate me to go even harder. So watch out for 2023!"
At the 2012 US Open, a major controversy developed after Townsend was denied funding from the USTA for her US Open participation and was told by some USTA coaches to stop competing until she got fitter and in "better shape."
Townsend also could not compete in the US Girls' Nationals back then, which would have helped her earn a place at the US Open. Additionally, her request for a wildcard into the US Open main draw or qualifying draw was also denied.
Read also
Patrick McEnroe, who was the head of USTA player development at the time, stated back then that the USTA's intention was simply to look out for the best interests of the players as well as American tennis. He also clarified that there was a "miscommunication" with regards to Townsend's US Open expenses and the USTA agreed to reimburse the player.
While the chain of events restricted Townsend from competing in the US Open main draw, she ended up reaching the quarterfinals of the girls' singles event and won the title in the girls' doubles event.
Cut to 10 years later and Taylor Townsend had the biggest breakthrough of her pro career so far by reaching the doubles final at the 2022 US Open. However, she lost to Siniakova in the first round of the singles event. Townsend is currently ranked No. 197 in singles and No. 103 in doubles.
Growing up in a household where soccer was king, my earliest memories are filled with chants from packed stadiums and the rhythm of a ball being passed across neighborhood streets. But somewhere along the way, the quiet elegance and raw emotion of tennis pulled me in. What began as a curiosity became a lifelong passion; not just for the sport itself, but for the stories it tells: of grit, of heartbreak, of improbable comebacks and human resilience.
As a tennis writer, I bring the observational lens of someone who didn’t grow up in the sport, but fell in love with it as an outsider; a perspective that lets me see both its technical beauty and its emotional depth. Over the years working with TennisUpToDate, I’ve had the privilege of reaching more than 3.5 million readers worldwide, with one of my features ranking among the site’s top three articles.
With a background in storytelling and a creative mind always searching for meaning beyond the scoreboard, I aim to craft narratives that go deeper than results and rankings. Whether it’s a rising star breaking through or a veteran fighting off Father Time, I try to capture the heartbeat behind the headlines.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- 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









