Venus Williams has been a formidable presence at this year’s Washington Open, causing difficulties for many opponents across both singles and doubles matches. Her return to the WTA Tour was marked by a notable singles victory over American Peyton Stearns, followed by an encouraging doubles performance alongside Hailey Baptiste. Taylor Townsend, who plays doubles with Shuai Zhang, reflected on how Williams’ tactical changes during matches added complexity to their encounter.

Taylor Townsend Details Venus Williams’ Tactical Changes During Doubles Match

Williams and Baptiste began their new doubles partnership successfully, defeating Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in the opening round. Their journey ended in the quarterfinals, where they were narrowly defeated by second seeds Taylor Townsend and Shuai Zhang. Despite the loss, Townsend praised the adaptability Williams and Baptiste demonstrated throughout the match.

Townsend explained that Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste implemented mid-match adjustments that disrupted their rhythm. They altered their serving styles and changed their return positions, forcing Townsend and Zhang to continuously adapt their tactics.

I think ultimately, like, we just kept plugging away,

Townsend stated.

Yesterday we played such a clean match, and today different opponents, different skill set. They’re really, really great players.

Townsend added that the fluidity in responding to Williams and Baptiste’s evolving approach was crucial.

I think Venus and Hailey both made in-match adjustments that made it a little bit harder for us to do what we wanted to do, so then we had to adjust. They started hitting different type of serves, started changing their return positions. So they forced us to have to adjust within the match and not to be able to kind of keep doing the same things.

This constant tactical back-and-forth called for flexibility from Townsend and Zhang, who focused on maintaining their strategy while responding to their opponents’ moves. Townsend highlighted moments where both teams showcased exceptional skill, including a decisive serve on match point and an impressive return from Baptiste.

So I think today the key was being quite fluid and being able to adjust to their adjustments, and also, like, continue to try and just play our game. I think that’s what came through in the end. We were both playing and, like, okay, I’m really close but it’s not quite there.

Then there were some times we connected on some really great shots and they hit some really great shots. I mean, I hit the best serve of the match, match point, and then Hailey hit an amazing return off the forehand. So I was, like, okay, there’s nothing you can do about that. Yeah, I think we were just able to lock in on how we wanted to play.

The Impact of the Excited Crowd on the Match Atmosphere

Although the doubles quarterfinal featuring Venus Williams did not take place on the central Stadium Court at the Washington Open, it drew a sizable crowd at the secondary John Harris court. Fans gathered enthusiastically to watch Williams alongside her doubles partner Hailey Baptiste, as well as opponents Taylor Townsend and Shuai Zhang.

Townsend described the crowd as “phenomenal” and emphasized the unique energy Venus Williams brought to the match, which contributed to the strong attendance and lively atmosphere.

Yeah, the crowd, I wanted to make sure to acknowledge the crowd, because it was really, really phenomenal,

Townsend said.

That’s the biggest crowd that’s been at a match, period. It was really amazing.

Townsend shared a personal anecdote about the match experience involving her best friend’s young daughter, who admired Townsend and was attending her first tennis match. This highlighted how the event bridged generational gaps and inspired various age groups.

For me, it was very special, like, my best friend brought her daughter. Her daughter looks up to me. I FaceTime her all the time. Hi, Taylor. This is her first tennis match. She’s four. Her and AJ have been playing all day.

The presence of multiple generations—parents, children, and experienced players—created a unique environment that Townsend felt was emblematic of what Venus Williams’ enduring influence has fostered in tennis.

So there is, like, a generational, like, influence that’s happening, and that’s really what I feel here at this tournament. Like I just feel there is so many turning of inspirations, two generations. Like, I really feel that here, for some reason. I believe it’s because Venus playing and, you know, all the people that she’s inspired her career all of these years, and now the next generation is coming through, you know. Being able to compete and be in the same place I think is something super special. What better place to do it than in D.C.?

Looking Ahead to the Semifinals and Potential Future Matchups

With this victory, Taylor Townsend and Shuai Zhang advanced to the semifinals of the Washington Open. Their next potential opponents include the formidable doubles team of Emma Raducanu and Elena Rybakina, two rising stars expected to present a significant challenge. The tournament continues to highlight the blend of established champions like Venus Williams and emerging talents, making it an exciting event for tennis fans.