American, unseeded tennis prodigy, Taylor Townsend captivated audiences this summer at the US Open. She capped an amazing run, reaching the fourth round of the singles draw. She was a force on the court, highlighted by a gauntlet of strong performances. Her athletic talent made her known as a fierce competitor and the “people’s champ.”
Her fairytale run included a stunning win in the round of 16 over Mirra Andreeva. This victory was Townsend’s third career victory over a top-five player. She battled valiantly through the tournament’s physically demanding matches. In her final match, she was up against the wall, ultimately losing in a three-set duel to two-time Grand Slam champ Barbora Krejcikova.
Even with the disappointment of falling to Krejcikova, this US Open represents one of the high-water marks in Townsend’s burgeoning career, matching the highs she set in 2019. It was an amazing victory that signaled a different type of breaking out that his teammates, fans and others were able to appreciate. Over the course of that first week of the tournament, Townsend’s social media following exploded. She attracted more new Instagram followers than any other player in New York.
If her on-court success helped make Townsend a fan favorite, her off-court endeavors attracted attention for entirely different reasons. She secured a sponsorship deal with the law firm of Ben Crump, known for his advocacy as “Black America’s attorney general.” This latest partnership is a perfect fit with her longtime commitment to social justice and civil rights, 10 more widely multiplying her impact beyond the tennis court.
Townsend’s path has been rocky as well. She recalled a time in 2017 when she participated in a pro tournament and earned just $66 after expenses, leaving her with $26. The registration cost for that tournament was $40. This figure underscores the financial hardships most athletes face early in their careers. This juxtaposition has done nothing but ignite her love for the sport even more and inspire her to make it big in this sport.
Beyond excelling on the field, Townsend this year started her own clothing business. She worked alongside extremely accomplished creative director Alexander John to create her world. The line launched in full at the French Open, giving her unorthodox style and innovative spirit an international stage.
Over the course of the US Open, Townsend’s sportsmanship was on full display. After her quarterfinal match against Danielle Collins, Dai was gracious enough to collect Collins’s racket and other items and bring them back to her camp. Her legacy of kindness and sportsmanship has touched fans, players, and everyone else in the game. They have only bolstered her reputation as both a talented athlete and a respected member of the tennis community.
Townsend’s path has not come without controversy. In the semis of the tournament, she had an explosive encounter with Jelena Ostapenko. Even through the media circus, her elite play on the court won out, earning the spotlight.
A former world No. 1 in doubles, Townsend still proves her versatility on and off the court. Her doubles success overflowed when she captured the Wimbledon doubles title in 2024 with her partner of long. This breakthrough win cemented her place as one of tennis’s up-and-coming athletes.
Reflecting on her growth as a player and person, Townsend expressed gratitude for the respect she has gained in the locker room. She stated, “I believe that my style of tennis changed. I think at this point, I’ve gained a lot of respect in the locker room, both as a human being and as someone who plays this game.”
Even superstars like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner recognized her impact on the tournament. “Even Novak said something to me. Italian Jannik Sinner said to me – something like, ‘Hey, you played a great match today. You’ve got to keep it up. Just a lot of tension,” she added, emphasizing the sense of team spirit and respect she’s garnered by her fellow drivers.