They say good things come to those who wait. Just a matter of days ago she was knocked out of qualifying by Erika Andreeva, now Taylor Townsend sits in the quarterfinal of a WTA singles tournament for the first time in her career at the age of 28. The lucky loser has taken the tennis world by storm and now faces fellow American Emma Navarro for a place in the National Bank Open semifinal.
Positive momentum
On the singles tour, Townsend has failed to live up to the potential she had as a youngster. On the doubles court, though, she boasts an illustrious career with seven titles and a Grand Slam to her name. Her first Grand Slam title arrived just last month, when she paired with Katerina Siniakova and defeated Erin Routliffe and Gabriel Dabrowski in a nail-biting double tiebreak final. This was a breakthrough moment in her career, and it seems to have helped her on the singles court.
Last week in Washington she made a great account of herself. She beat Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-2 before exiting at the hands of Mairie Bouzkova 7-5, 7-6. With both the Russian and the Czech being in the top fifty, she walked away with her head held high.
Dayan Yastremska Retirement
By the time that Dayan Yastremska rolled around, Townsend was match sharp and confident. Admittedly, the Ukrainian struggled physically throughout. She struggles with a shoulder injury that severely hampered her serve. Her service games were more like return games, as she couldn’t gain any advantage and was constantly put on the back foot by a ruthless Taylor Townsend. Yastremska retired 6-3, 3-1 down.
A lucky loser and a retirement later, Townsend had luck on her side. Yet, it’s all about seizing the opportunity. As a tennis player, there are weeks when a draw opens up for you or things fall your way in some other fashion. When this chance arises, you must seize it with both hands. Townsend has done just that.
Marina Stakusic Pushed Aside
On paper, facing the World No. 160 was another favourable moment for Townsend. Although, this is a different type of pressure to deal with. After a series of fortunate events, and going into this clash as the heavy favourite, this was an element of pressure and expectation that the world #71 had never dealt with. She could stand up to it, or let it swallow her up. On the singles court, it was her sink-or-swim moment.
She swam with such confidence, utterly obliterating her Canadian counterpart. Her serving was outstanding, particularly her second serve. Of the 15 second serve points, she convicted every single one. This demoralised Stakusic, as even when Townsend missed her first serve, she couldn’t capitalise.
Shock exit for Ostapenko
Against Jelena Ostapenko, Taylor Townsend made personal history. Against the hard-hitting fourth seed, she reached her first WTA singles quarterfinal. At a WTA 1000 event. Simply astounding.
This was always going to be an interesting clash with such contrast in their game styles. Ostapenko of course, is one of the most aggressive hitters in the women’s game. Her peak level is good enough to beat anyone, however, due to the risky nature of her game, she has her off days. Against Townsend, it fell into the latter category.
The consensus before the clash was that Townsend’s weak movement would be exploited by the world # 9. Instead, the American played the game on her terms and dictated proceedings.
From the off, she broke the Latvian to love, with her return game truly unplayable. Throughout the whole match, Ostapenko won just 39% of her serve points, in a truly bad day at the office. In contrast, Townsend again excelled in service. Of her second serve points, she won 91%. This took the pressure off her first serve, as she knew she could afford to go more aggressive with such a proficient backup.
In just over an hour, she knocked out Ostapenko 6-2, 6-1 to reach her maiden last eight on the thirteenth attempt.
It was a major statement to the rest of the draw.
What lies ahead
Next up for Townsend is the eighth seed, Emma Navarro, who has yet to lose a set in this tournament. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a solid year, reaching the Wimbledon quarter-final and beating the likes of Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and an in-form Diana Shnaider. Like the last 16, Taylor Townsend will go in as the underdog. Nevertheless, if she can repeat her world-class return, this will be a tight one. Only a fool would write her off.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
