Author: Barkha Roy
Amid a vibrant atmosphere on court 17, packed with fervent American and Brazilian fans, Taylor Townsend of the United States secured a hard-fought victory over 19th-ranked Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil, 7-6(1), 7-5. This triumphant performance took Townsend into the third round of the US Open. At the same time, the Brazilian continued to excel in doubles. Playing alongside Azarenka, she is counting on a trophy.
Exercising for just over two hours, Townsend managed to win two very tight sets. This marked her return to the third round of a Grand Slam singles event, a feat she last achieved four years ago during her impressive run to the last 16 of the US Open – her best performance in singles at a major tournament.
Let that scream out!
🇺🇸 Taylor Townsend takes the first set against 🇧🇷 Beatriz Haddad Maia in spectacular fashion. pic.twitter.com/pxfnIXASRR
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2023
Ranked 132nd in singles, Townsend’s victory marked her second over a top-20 opponent this year. Remarkably, she had already beaten third-ranked Jessica Pegula on the clay courts of Rome. Townsend’s entry into the main draw was guaranteed as the last direct entrant.
The first set was marked by an intense battle of service games, which didn’t result in any breaks, although Haddad Maia, this year’s Roland Garros semi-finalist, avoided two set points in a crucial moment at 6-6. However, Townsend’s dominance on powerful service returns allowed her to take control of the tiebreak, winning it in the end.
In the next set, Townsend’s powerful forehand forced an error from Haddad Maia, earning him a crucial break and a 6-5 lead. In the next game, Haddad Maia made a forehand error on Townsend’s third match point.
In addition to his success in singles, Townsend also had a remarkable year in doubles. She won three titles with different partners, reached two Grand Slam finals and climbed into the top five of the rankings.
What an explosive move from Taylor Townsend! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0F4jLoZaTE
– US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2023
Townsend’s next challenge will be in the third round, when she faces 10th seed Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic. Muchova is also in good form, having recently reached the final of the French Open and the Cincinnati Masters. She beat Magdalena Frech from Poland 6-3, 6-3 in the second round.
Interestingly, Elena Rybakina, the fourth seed, also advanced to the third round in the same quarter of the draw, benefiting from a walkover when Ajla Tomljanovic withdrew due to injury.