'I don’t tolerate disrespect': Taylor Townsend reflects on US Open controversy and career resurgence

“I fell in love with the game again,” Taylor Townsend admitted after a US Open campaign that had fans and analysts buzzing. At 29, she reached the fourth round in singles for only the second time in her career and advanced to the doubles final alongside partner Katerina Siniakova. Her victories over Jelena Ostapenko and world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva, combined with her vibrant on-court energy, made her one of the most talked-about players of the tournament.

The US Open was more than just matches for Townsend—it was a stage for personal growth and self-reflection. “The way I’ve been working on myself and the person I am… it was tested, but it was also displayed,” she told CBS Mornings. Beyond the court, her performance brought new professional opportunities and recognition. “There are a lot of people who have experienced me as a player and as a person for the first time… Lots of opportunities, lots of decisions to make,” Townsend added.

Motherhood has also given Townsend a new sense of purpose. Her four-year-old son AJ motivates her every time she steps onto the court. “Since having him, I’ve had something bigger than tennis,” she said. Townsend revealed that being away from the sport during pregnancy allowed her to rediscover her love for the game. “Even in the match I lost in singles… after I finished playing, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I love this. I can’t wait to go back out,’” she explained.

Townsend’s journey began on the public courts of South Side Chicago, where she fell in love with tennis as a child. Rising to become the number one junior in the world before turning pro, she now encourages young athletes to trust themselves. “Trust your gut, girl. Your gut has worked out for you,” she said. Her experience at the US Open demonstrated not just her talent, but her resilience, maturity, and ability to handle pressure on and off the court.

Handling Controversy: Ostapenko Incident

Townsend’s second-round match against Jelena Ostapenko became a major talking point at Flushing Meadows. After Townsend’s 7-5, 6-1 victory, Ostapenko made unflattering remarks about her opponent, sparking boos from the crowd. Townsend responded with composure and professionalism. “She said it was her second language and that she didn’t fully understand the words she was saying,” Townsend explained, emphasizing that the apology rang true and was met with compassion.

Despite acknowledging the language barrier, Townsend made it clear she would not tolerate disrespect. “I give grace where grace is due, but I don’t tolerate disrespect—especially when I treat you with respect, sportsmanship, and honor the game,” she said. The crowd supported Townsend enthusiastically, booing Ostapenko as she left the court, while Townsend celebrated in the center, showing that confidence and dignity can coexist even in heated moments.

Her ability to let her tennis speak for itself also reinforced her message. “I let my racket do the talking. That’s all we can do—it’s talking loud,” Townsend stated. By handling the situation with poise, she not only advanced in the tournament but also earned respect from fans, players, and media alike. Townsend’s approach turned a controversial moment into a showcase of professionalism and maturity.

Tournament Highlights and Personal Growth

In singles, Townsend’s US Open journey included defeating Jelena Ostapenko and Mirra Andreeva before falling in the fourth round to Barbora Krejcikova. In doubles, she and Katerina Siniakova reached the final, defeating high-profile pairs including Leylah Fernandez with Venus Williams and the fourth-seeded duo Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens. They ultimately fell 6-4, 6-4 to Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski but demonstrated consistency and skill throughout the tournament.

Off the court, Townsend’s reflections show the broader impact of her experiences. “The way I’ve been working on myself and how I want to show up in the world… it was tested, but it was also displayed,” she told CBS Mornings. Motherhood, self-awareness, and resilience have combined to make Townsend not only a stronger player but also a role model for young athletes navigating challenges and controversies in professional sports.

Looking Forward

Taylor Townsend’s US Open story is about more than wins and losses. It is about self-worth, composure, and the balance between personal life and professional ambition. Her handling of the Ostapenko controversy reinforced her status as a leader on the court, while her singles and doubles performances demonstrated her skill and determination. Townsend remains motivated, inspired by her son AJ and her renewed love for tennis: “I can’t wait to go back out,” she said, hinting at an even brighter future in the sport.