Taylor Townsend has reached the first WTA singles final of her career at the ATX Open.
Townsend had been unable to play since the Australian Open, but made her return to competition at the tournament in Austin, Texas.
After receiving a wildcard for the WTA 250 event, Townsend saved a match point in her dramatic first-round match win against Linda Fruhvirtova and she has not looked back since.
Following her victory over Ashlyn Krueger, Townsend hit back at critics in a defiant message in her on-court interview.
Taylor Townsend hits back at critics after reaching ATX Open final
Townsend fought back from 0-4 down in the first set to beat Krueger 7-6(6), 6-3, and reach her first WTA Tour singles final.
In her on-court interview after the match, Townsend spoke about the journey it has taken to get to where she is now, before firing back at those who have doubted her.
“It’s been a journey,” began Townsend. “But you know you know I wouldn’t change it at all, because all of those no’s were just a delayed gratification for a yes.
“Honestly since having AJ [her son Adyn] and coming back I’ve achieved history. You know, I know people say I’m the first mom to achieve in doubles, but there hasn’t been a singles player to reach number one either. So, I’m really, really proud to hold that history and you know I’m creating a legacy for myself and doing it my way like I said.
“You know, everyone that’s talked s— they gotta eat their words. I’m still standing, I’m still here, I’m not going anywhere. And it’s only just gonna keep getting better from here so I hope that they buckle up.”
Townsend will play her compatriot Peyton Stearns in the ATX Open final, but she has already been rewarded for her week in Austin.
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Taylor Townsend given big ranking boost after her run to the final in Austin
After reaching the first WTA final of her career, Townsend has received a big boost in terms of her WTA ranking.
Despite reaching the fourth round of the US Open last year, Townsend fell outside the top 100 and began the week in Austin as the world number 119.
Townsend’s win over Krueger means that she is now confirmed to return to the top 100, and is currently the world number 86 in the live rankings.
If she beats Stearns in the final, then Townsend would rise to world number 72 in the WTA rankings.
This is vitally important for Townsend, who will be defending 120 points at Indian Wells next week, where she is already in the qualifying draw.
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Not only is Townsend in the singles final in Austin, but she has also reached the doubles final alongside Storm Hunter.
Both finals will take place at the ATX Open on Sunday, March 1.
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