Taylor Townsend had all eyes on her in New York when she stepped out in a show-stopping gown to receive her doubles World No. 1 trophy. The 29-year-old turned the special occasion into a fashion moment, and her fellow WTA stars couldn’t stop raving about her look.
Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Danielle Collins, and Asia Muhammad were among the ones to shower Townsend with praise as she marked one of the biggest milestones of her career.
How Did Taylor Townsend’s Journey Lead Her to the World No. 1 Doubles Ranking?
The recognition capped off a remarkable journey for Townsend, who climbed to the top of the doubles rankings for the first time after capturing the Citi DC Open women’s doubles title last month alongside Zhang Shuai. In doing so, the Chicago native became the 50th player in WTA history to achieve the honor and the 13th American to hold the distinction.
The achievement was even sweeter considering it came 13 years after she reigned as the junior World No. 1, bringing her tennis story full circle. Townsend is also the first mother to be crowned doubles No. 1, having made her comeback in 2022 following the birth of her son, Adyn Aubrey. Since her return, she has added a Wimbledon doubles trophy with Katerina Siniakova and an Australian Open doubles crown to her growing resume.
Townsend received her doubles World No. 1 trophy at a WTA event ahead of the US Open main draw, dressed in a Geisha power blue maxi dress by Bronx and Banco. The gown featured a plunging V-neckline, a ruched bodice tied with a waist sash, flowing sleeves trimmed with white feathers, and a thigh-high slit.
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Her fellow players wasted no time expressing their admiration on Instagram. Osaka commented, “Yup 🤏🏾✨,” while Keys gushed, “Literally obsessed with you 🔥.” Gauff added a string of heart-eye emojis, Collins fired off flame emojis, and Muhammad praised her look with, “Ate & left noooooo crumbs.” Pegula reshared Townsend’s post on her own Instagram stories.
MORE: ‘This Is Crazy’ — Taylor Townsend Makes Feelings Known on Becoming Doubles World No. 1 in Washington
Townsend is set to begin her singles campaign at Flushing Meadows against Antonia Ružić in the first round. The winner of that clash will move on to face either 25th seed Jeļena Ostapenko or Chinese qualifier Wang Xiyu.
In mixed doubles, Townsend partnered with fellow American Ben Shelton as a wildcard entry. The duo upset fourth seeds Amanda Anisimova and Holger Rune 4-2, 5-4 (2) in their opener but fell in the quarterfinals to alternates Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison, 1-4, 4-5 (2).
