Taylor Townsend made history by becoming the first mother in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to achieve the No. 1 ranking in doubles after winning the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. Her remarkable ascent is rooted in her relentless dedication and unique approach to her career during and after pregnancy. Townsend’s pregnancy coaching journey has drawn widespread attention as she balanced motherhood and elite competition with extraordinary discipline.
How Taylor Townsend Managed Her Career Through Pregnancy
Townsend welcomed her son, Adyn, in 2021, but the process leading up to his birth was marked by intense challenges as she worked to maintain her tennis ambitions. Before her delivery, she sought guidance from her coach, John Williams, to structure her training amid pregnancy. In a revealing interview, Williams described Townsend’s approach as far from ordinary.
“She finds out that she’s pregnant. She comes to me and says, ‘Listen I need you to help me navigate this.’ And I laughed and I was like, ‘You are not going to be playing tennis at eight months.'”
—John Williams, coach
Instead of stepping back, Townsend insisted on continuing her training. Even at eight-and-a-half months pregnant, she kept going to the gym three times a week, a routine that appeared unusual but was a testament to her determination.
“So she said, ‘No, the entire pregnancy.’
She was in the gym still three days a week. We were training. It looked hilarious but she was there and we were still training.”
—John Williams, coach
The coach later became Townsend’s official tennis coach when she asked him directly.
“‘I’d like you to coach me.’ And I’m laughing and joking and I’m like, ‘I’ve been coaching you for years. What are you talking about?’ She’s like, ‘No, I want you to be my tennis coach.’ And I said, ‘You do realize I don’t play tennis, right?’
‘Yeah, that’s why I want you to coach me, because the things that you’ve taught me, the questions you’ve asked me… nobody’s ever done those things before.’
—John Williams / Taylor Townsend
Townsend emphasized that gaining a new perspective was vital to returning stronger after motherhood.
“I want to be better post pregnancy than I was.’ And fast forward, here we are.”
—Taylor Townsend
Townsend’s Triumphant Rise to the Top of Doubles Tennis
After her son’s birth and her intensive pregnancy coaching journey, Townsend’s tennis career accelerated, culminating in her becoming the World No.1 in doubles. Her recent victory at the Citi Open was the crowning achievement of a comeback fueled by unwavering commitment and support. Currently competing in the Canadian Open, Townsend and her partner Zhang Shuai advanced to the second round by defeating the team of Irina Khromacheva and Aldila Sutjiadi, signaling her readiness for bigger stages ahead.
Townsend’s success reflects her ability to balance motherhood with the fierce demands of professional tennis. Her momentum continues to build as she approaches major upcoming tournaments with confidence.
Preparing for the US Open: New Partnerships and Fresh Opportunities
Looking ahead to the 2025 US Open, Townsend will compete in mixed doubles with 22-year-old American rising star Ben Shelton. The pair previously demonstrated strong chemistry at the 2023 US Open, reaching the semifinals in mixed doubles during their first tournament together. Their promising partnership fuels optimism for a potential run to the title and the accompanying $1 million prize.
“This is the most fun we’ve had on the tennis court in a while,”
—Ben Shelton
Townsend’s doubles achievements in 2024 underscore her dominant presence on the tour. She and Katerina Siniakova won major titles at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open, showcasing consistent high-level performance. With the mixed doubles US Open campaign on the horizon, this pairing with Shelton could offer Townsend a new grand slam milestone.
Implications of Townsend’s Journey for Women in Tennis
Taylor Townsend’s story challenges long-standing assumptions about the limits of athletes who are mothers, demonstrating that pregnancy and motherhood do not have to end elite sporting careers. Her discipline during pregnancy and the tailored coaching relationship forged with Williams are notable examples of how a player can adapt and thrive despite physical and logistical hurdles.
This milestone not only inspires other athletes balancing family and professional ambitions, but it also potentially shifts perspectives on support systems and training for pregnant athletes within tennis and broader sports communities. Townsend’s progress as she competes at high-level events like the Canadian Open and sets her sights on the US Open represents a turning point in how motherhood and athletic excellence can coexist. Her story is closely watched for its broader cultural and sporting significance.