When Taylor Townsend walked off the court at the 2025 US Open, her four-year-old son Adyn Aubrey Johnson was waiting with the perfect words: “It’s okay.” After watching his mother battle for three grueling hours, the little boy she calls AJ offered the kind of perspective that only a child can provide. Sometimes the biggest victories happen away from the scoreboard.
How Did AJ Support His Mother Through Three Hours of Tennis?
Townsend’s run at the 2025 US Open ended in the Round of 16, but the American star found comfort in the presence of her young son. Following her battle against 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková, Townsend opened up about how AJ was her biggest source of support both during and after the match.
The 29-year-old, who was bidding to reach her first career Grand Slam singles quarterfinal, fell 6-1, 6(13)-7(15), 3-6 despite strong backing from the home crowd. The result matched her deepest singles run at a Major, equaling her fourth-round showing at the 2019 US Open.
Barbora Krejcikova completes the comeback! pic.twitter.com/Ryp2pKjVvL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2025
Beyond the statistics, this tournament carried special meaning for Townsend. AJ traveled to watch her compete on one of tennis’s biggest stages, sitting courtside for the entire marathon match against Krejčíková. Born in March 2021, he has grown up alongside his mother’s comeback efforts. Townsend has spoken openly about the challenges of motherhood as a professional athlete while keeping details about AJ’s father private.
In her post-match press conference, Townsend shared lighthearted stories about AJ’s unwavering presence throughout the long encounter. “I told AJ, ‘Wow, you stayed there the whole time.’ It was over three hours, and he sat there,” she said.
What Happened When AJ Tried to Coach His Exhausted Mother?
The four-year-old even stepped in when Townsend’s coach took a bathroom break during the match. “He was like, ‘If you need anything, I got you, just ask me.’ I’m like, ‘Okay,'” Townsend laughed as she recounted the moment.
After the match ended, AJ’s energy remained boundless while his mother needed recovery time. “In the cool down area, he said, ‘Hey mom, let’s work out together.’ And I’m like, ‘Sir, I just played three hours, I don’t want to work out.’ He’s like, ‘Let’s do some squats.’ I’m like, ‘I’m good.’ That’s the kid thing, they have no idea.”
However, the exchange concluded with a touching moment that put the loss in perspective. “I actually asked because I wanted to know what he was going to say. He said, ‘Good job, mom.’ I said, ‘Thanks.’ I told him, ‘AJ, I lost.’ He said, ‘It’s okay.’ And I thought, ‘That’s the attitude.’ So I’m trying to embody that.”
Looking ahead, Townsend remains active in women’s doubles, advancing to the third round alongside Kateřina Siniaková. The top seeds will take on Camila Osorio and Yue Yuan in their next match.
In mixed doubles, she 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 later fell in the quarterfinals to alternates Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison 1-4, 4-5 (2).
