Taylor Townsend has commenced her 2026 season at the Australian Open, where she competes in both singles and doubles with her partner, with whom she has won two Major titles. The American star has recently shown her admirable support for Naomi Osaka, cheering for her at Rod Laver Arena as she clashed with a former World No. 65 from Croatia in the first round of the Australian Open.
Taylor Townsend Cheers for Naomi Osaka for Her First Round at Melbourne Park
The American star entered her 2026 season after playing at the WTA Finals, which had taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She competed in doubles with Kateřina Siniaková, reaching the semifinals, where they lost to Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova. Townsend entered the singles at the Australian Open as a qualifier and defeated Nao Hibino, Jazmin Ortenzi, and Storm Hunter to reach the first round.
She faced Hailey Baptiste in the first round, losing to her with a final scoreline of 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3, concluding her singles journey. In doubles, she will be seen in action with Siniaková, with whom she clinched notable feats, including the 2024 Wimbledon Championships and the 2025 Australian Open.
Apart from her on-court action, Townsend is also seen reconnecting with her friend, the Japanese star, with whom she enjoyed her 2025 offseason Caribbean trip, at the first Grand Slam of the season. While cheering for her at the Rod Laver Arena, Townsend shared through her Instagram story, “Fired up for my girl @naomiosaka 🪼💚 (blue jelly fish and green heart emoticons).”
Before this, the former World No. 1 in doubles also shared an Instagram post, featuring both stars doing spy poses, creating a light-hearted moment, with the caption, “Finally reunited with my girl @naomiosaka 💕💥🙏🏾”
Townsend’s friend, Osaka, defeated Antonia Ružić in the first round, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, losing the second set but coming back to win the third. The World No. 17 clinched victory in 2 hours and 22 minutes; however, before becoming the victor, Osaka had showcased one of the most memorable outfits during her entrance.
READ MORE: Naomi Osaka’s Dramatic Entrance: All About Her Nike Outfit, Veil, Umbrella at Australian Open
The WTA star took to the centre court while wearing a striking outfit, a collaboration between London-based fashion designer Robert Wun and Nike. Considering her fashionistic flair, which she has supported throughout her career, she reflected, “Right now, I feel very settled in my style. My relationship with fashion has become much more available to my true expression. I’ve settled into being seen … and frankly into my own.”
Coming on to her court action, Osaka is set to clash against Sorana Cîrstea for her second round. The duo had last clashed at the 2015 Wimbledon Championship, with the Romanian player taking the win.
