The US stars have been thriving at the Washington Open, with five home hopes through to the quarter-finals in D.C.
Taylor Fritz and Brandon Nakashima have both advanced to the latter stages of the tournament, while Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are set to clash in an all-American affair in the last eight.
On the women’s side, Venus Williams has been making the headlines, as she became the second woman since 1990 to win a WTA match aged 45 or over, following Martina Navratilova.
Following Williams’ exit from the tournament, however, there remains just one US player in the women’s draw, whom Tiafoe has sung the praises of.
Frances Tiafoe gives high praise to American WTA star
Taylor Townsend is the last American WTA star left at the Washington Open and will face Leylah Fernandez in the quarter-finals.
Speaking on Townsend after his second-round victory, Tiafoe said: “Two Ts. She’s been killing, man. She’s been doing really well. Killing the doubles for a long time, having a great run in singles, and she is so talented, able to do a lot of things.
“I’m a little upset with her, because she was clowning my outfit calling me Ronald McDonald earlier today (smiling). I wasn’t messing with that at all.
“But, no, she’s great, man. I have known her for a long time. Good friend of mine, of course. She’s got a kid now. Obviously, you know, doing it for more than just her. She’s been doing great, man. Hell of a player. Hell of a player, hell of a person.
“Yeah, I didn’t think that was funny earlier. I’m going to have to knock her. Be your own people, man. That’s the thing. Be your own people. (Laughter.)
“I hope she keeps going. I don’t know who she plays next or whatever. But the Ronald McDonald thing wasn’t cool, man.”
Taylor Townsend’s career achievements on the WTA Tour
Townsend has found the majority of her success in doubles, where she is a two-time Grand Slam champion.
She reached her first major final at the US Open in 2022, partnered with Caty McNally, but the two were overcome by former Wimbledon singles champion Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova.
| Year | Australian Open | Roland Garros | Wimbledon | US Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Champion | Quarter-Finals | Semi-Finals | – |
| 2024 | Third Round | – | Champion | Semi-Finals |
| 2023 | Second Round | Final | Second Round | Quarter-Finals |
| 2022 | – | Semi-Finals | – | Final |
After finishing as the runner-up once again at the French Open the following year, Townsend emerged victorious at the All England Club in 2024 alongside Siniakova.
The two champions then clinched their second Grand Slam crown together at the Australian Open in 2025.
In singles, Townsend’s best result was a fourth-round finish at the US Open in 2019.
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