Taylor Townsend recently soared to the top of the WTA doubles rankings following a triumphant start to the US Open season. The American player claimed her third doubles title of the year at the Citi Open in Washington alongside partner Zhang Shuai, where they defeated Caroline Dolehide and Sofia Kenin in the final. Townsend’s continued excellence on court earned her the coveted World No. 1 doubles ranking, drawing warm congratulations from fellow American and doubles partner Coco Gauff.
Gauff, who is competing at the Canadian Open in Montreal, shared her admiration for Townsend’s achievement during a pre-tournament interview. Reflecting on their long-standing friendship and previous partnership on the WTA circuit, Gauff emphasized Townsend’s exceptional skills in doubles play.
“Yeah, it’s super cool. Well, I’ve known Taylor for a long long time and I always root for her and uh I was really happy to see. I’ve always considered her, um, one of the best doubles players, probably right there with Siniakova, like the best on tour. So, it’s great to see that ranking kind of match where, um, I think a lot of players see her as,”
said Gauff.
A Candid Reflection on Their Partnership and Townsend’s Doubles Success
Although Gauff expressed pride in Townsend’s accomplishment, she admitted their previous doubles teamwork did not reach its full potential. The pair reached the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open last year but fell short of expectations. Despite this, Townsend’s form has surged this year, highlighted by her Australian Open doubles title win with Katerina Siniakova.
Gauff added,
“And she yeah, she deserves it. There’s she deserves it all. And I played with her and I don’t think I helped that much because I think we lost in the quarters and I didn’t play that well with her. But um, yeah, I think she’s going to hopefully stay there for a long time and her and Katerina are a great team together and I’m really proud of her.”
Townsend’s rise to the top of the doubles rankings comes at a crucial moment ahead of the US Open, where she is expected to be a formidable contender. Her consistency and determination reflect a career built on resilience and steady improvement.
The Challenges Behind Taylor Townsend’s Journey to the Top
Townsend’s path to becoming World No. 1 in doubles was not without significant personal struggles. Early in her career, despite her success as a leading junior player, she faced criticism and lack of support from the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which withdrew her funding citing concerns about her fitness. This reflected a broader issue of limited body positivity and acceptance within the sport during her formative years.
In her own words, Townsend confronted these challenges openly:
“I have had to go through some of the hardest struggles and the most personal struggles in the public eye. Some really very kind of intimate topics that had to be a topic of conversation literally around the world as a child and having to defend myself as a kid.”
She continued,
“There hasn’t been anyone who has gone through what I went through since I went through it, so I think things have changed a little bit—which is great, right? When I was going through the whole body image thing, there was no body positivity movement. That didn’t exist.”
Townsend’s candidness and resilience stand as a powerful message in the world of sports, suggesting that her success could help inspire a more inclusive and supportive culture for future athletes facing similar obstacles.
Looking Ahead: What Townsend’s Success Means for the Future
With the US Open on the horizon, Taylor Townsend’s current form and new status as the top-ranked doubles player make her a major player to watch in the upcoming tournaments. Her achievements signal the culmination of years of perseverance against both athletic and personal challenges, positioning her as an influential figure in women’s tennis.
Coco Gauff’s public support underscores the respect Townsend commands among her peers, highlighting the strength of their bond and the importance of teamwork and encouragement in professional sports.
Townsend’s story is more than just a tale of athletic triumph—it represents a hopeful turning point in the broader conversation about body image and acceptance in sports. Fans and commentators alike eagerly anticipate whether she can capitalize on her momentum and claim victory at the US Open, further cementing her legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Coco Gauff a millionaire?
A. At just 19 years old, Coco Gauff is a millionaire. This American tennis star claimed her first Grand Slam win by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, the new world No. 1. Gauff won with scores of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, earning the 2023 US Open women’s singles title.
Q. Does Coco Gauff have a degree?
A. Congratulations on finishing high school, @CocoGauff! Gauff got her diploma from the Florida Department of Education after studying at Florida Virtual Flex. At 18, she balanced her successful tennis career with her studies over the past four years.
Q. Why is Coco Gauff so rich?
A. Gauff has won $24.3 million in prize money during her career, ranking her 18th among female tennis players. With additional earnings from endorsement deals, her total net worth is about $35 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. In 2024, Forbes named Gauff the highest-paid female athlete.