'She handled it with class in a not so classy situation': Venus Williams defends Taylor Townsend after controversy

Venus Williams has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and during her latest US Open press conference, the 44-year-old champion made headlines by defending fellow American Taylor Townsend. Asked about disparaging remarks made toward Townsend earlier in the tournament, Williams immediately turned the spotlight on her compatriot’s dignity. “It was a lot of drama,” she said, “but Taylor handled it amazing. As a mom, the way she handled it — her son is watching.”

Williams emphasized not the insult itself, but how Townsend responded. Instead of lingering on the negative, she praised the 28-year-old for her ability to rise above the noise. “She handled it with class in a situation that was not so classy,” Williams added. “She just moved on and won again.” The message was clear: Townsend’s character and resilience matter far more than the cheap shots directed her way.

The veteran, who has spent decades navigating scrutiny herself, made a point of applauding Townsend both as an athlete and as a mother. “She’s a wonderful person, a great mom, and I hope she can keep going,” Williams told reporters. Her words highlighted a sense of solidarity within women’s tennis — one legend publicly rooting for another player to succeed against both on-court challenges and off-court distractions.

In many ways, Williams’s defence of Townsend overshadowed discussion of her own doubles success with Leylah Fernandez. The pair had just advanced to the third round after beating Eri Hozumi and Maia Eikeri 7-6, 6-1, but Williams’s heartfelt backing of Townsend showed that her leadership goes beyond results. For Williams, the US Open press room became a platform not just to celebrate her own victories but also to uplift another woman in the sport.

“A nice little harmony”: Williams and Fernandez finding rhythm

When questions turned to her partnership with Fernandez, Williams credited their shared aggression and complementary styles for the team’s success. “We both have very aggressive games. We’re looking to move forward, we’re looking to control the point,” she said. Fernandez agreed, explaining that their play “just kind of flows” without the need for constant communication. “When I cross, I know Venus is behind me,” she added, describing their natural, instinctive chemistry.

The duo laughed off suggestions of creating a team name, with Fernandez admitting she wasn’t “that creative” and Williams suggesting she would leave it to others. As for the future, both were coy about committing to tournaments beyond New York. “I love Asia, I love Australia, I love all those places, but it’s so far away,” Williams said with a smile. Fernandez chimed in that “internal talks” were still needed before making any decision.

Legacy felt in Gauff and Osaka clash

Reporters also asked Williams about the upcoming singles showdown between Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, two players who have credited her and sister Serena as inspirations. Williams downplayed her influence, instead choosing to celebrate what the match means for the sport. “When I see those matches, I think how exciting it is for tennis,” she said. “Everyone will be watching. That’s what tennis needs. If I was part of that equation, amazing — but now, they’re flying.”

More than results

While the victory with Fernandez adds to her remarkable résumé, Williams’s comments on Townsend and on the sport’s future resonated most. Her willingness to speak up in defence of a fellow player demonstrated the values she continues to bring to tennis: resilience, unity, and perspective. Whether inspiring a younger generation, supporting peers, or still competing at the highest level, Williams showed once again why her voice carries weight far beyond her own matches.