Tennis isn’t just a battle on the court, it’s a relentless grind off it as well, with grueling schedules and punishing travel experiences. Ask the American ace Taylor Townsend, who recently voiced her exhaustion after a whirlwind start to the season, saying, “Me trying to keep my s— together after 7 weeks on the road, 5 countries, 5 time zones,” But just when you thought her travel woes had peaked, Townsend found herself caught in yet another bizarre delay right after her Indian Wells heartbreak, this time on a flight from Atlanta. And the reason? Well, let’s just say it’s one for the books! Any guesses, folks?
Fresh off her Dubai Open triumph alongside Katerina Siniaková, Taylor Townsend carried her momentum into Indian Wells, delivering a strong doubles campaign. While she fell short in the singles qualifiers on Court 4, the 28-year-old stormed through to the SF in doubles with a series of emphatic wins.
However, her quest for the title came to a heartbreaking end as she and Siniaková, the top two women’s doubles players in the world, were edged out in a tight 3-set battle by Asia Muhammad and Demi Schuurs, who booked their spot in the final. But Townsend’s rollercoaster week didn’t end there. After the crushing loss, her travel troubles took an unexpected turn on the plane! Just as she was set to depart Atlanta, her flight was delayed. Taking to social media, the 28-year-old shared the bizarre cause behind the hold-up, leaving fans both amused and bewildered!
Just a while back, Taylor posted a short video on her IG story, saying, “The most Atlanta thing I’ve heard all year: “Sorry for the delay folks.. we just waiting on a pilot to come fly the plane! Now, that’s rare. Flight delayed because of pilot not being on time? Well!
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 13, 2024 Taylor Townsend of the U.S. and Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova celebrate winning the women’s doubles final against Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe REUTERS/Matthew Childs
WTA stars and flight delays – that’s not an unfamiliar scenario, especially when Atlanta is involved! Remember last year’s Atlanta Open? Fans were treated to a thrilling exhibition match between two-time GS champion Sloane Stephens and fellow American Taylor Townsend. It was a night filled with fun, cheers, and even a surprise marriage proposal in the crowd!
After an entertaining battle, the lefty Townsend sealed the win against the former US Open champ, Stephens, sharing a warm embrace at the net to cap off the electric evening. But the drama didn’t end there! On her way home, Stephens took to Instagram to reveal she was stuck with a horrific 7-hour flight delay before finally making her way back. “Cute 7 hour @delta delay… finally on my way home,” she said from the flight before adding, “Made it home,” in another story.
Coming back to Taylor Townsend, her next assignment is the Miami Open, where she will be looking to make her mark on the hard courts. But before diving back into competition, she took a moment to celebrate the special day of someone extra special: the birthday of her beloved Adyn Aubrey Johnson!
Taylor Townsend celebrated the birthday of her son, Adyn
Taylor Townsend has always been candid about her journey into motherhood, once admitting she never envisioned having children, but now, she couldn’t be more grateful for it. Since welcoming her son, Adyn Aubrey Johnson, in 2021, she has embraced the challenge of balancing life on the WTA Tour with being a devoted mom.
Despite a demanding tour schedule that frequently necessitates her absence from home, Townsend tries to ensure she spends as much time with her son as possible. The semi-final defeat suffered in the BNP Paribas Open doubles, while initially disheartening, ultimately yielded unforeseen benefits for Townsend. The early exit gave her the chance to rush home and celebrate Adyn’s special day: proof that some wins happen off the court, too!
Taking to her IG, the American star shared a heartwarming carousel of adorable moments with her little one, along with a touching message that melted hearts. “Screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my son, my everything, and my ultimate blessing!” Townsend’s post, marked with emojis signifying gratitude and love, served as a poignant reminder that while tennis holds a prominent place in her life, motherhood is her paramount achievement.
As Townsend soaks in the joy of celebrating Adyn’s 4th birthday, her focus will shift back to the court soon, with hopes of reclaiming her winning form in the Miami Open, starting March 19. A title there would be the ultimate gift for her little one! Can Townsend turn the tides in Miami after a semifinal loss in the Indian Wells? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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