US Open Champion Taylor Townsend Went ’36 Hours’ Without Food After Emergency Surgery Forced Her to Withdraw From Guadalajara Open

After the US Open, several WTA players competed in the WTA 500 Guadalajara Open, which kicked off on September 13. Taylor Townsend also competed.

She flew to the Mexican city and competed in singles after a successful run at Flushing Meadows. The 30-year-old lost to eventual runner-up Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round. In doubles, she and Katerina Siniakova, also the first seeds, beat Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger, winning their fourth Grand Slam doubles title together.

In Guadalajara, Townsend first eliminated Tatjana Maria and then faced first seed Marta Kostyuk. But before the match, Townsend had to withdraw for emergency surgery. She then took to Instagram Stories to update fans on her health.

Because of emergency surgery, I am forced to withdraw from the GDL Open, and it breaks my heart. But I’m looking forward to coming back next year to see all of you, the greatest tennis fans. Viva México!

The US Open was Townsend’s second Grand Slam title of the season, following the French Open, which she won alongside Siniakova. In addition to the four titles, she also made three more Major finals, including last year.

I am coming up on over 36 hours. No food. I was finally able to drink something, but I am just going to disappear into this bed. You see the crack over there? I am just gonna fall right through that.

Taylor Townsend added

Apart from the two Majors, Townsend and Siniakova also lifted three WTA 1000 doubles titles together this season. In Major singles, however, Townsend made the fourth round just once, in her home Slam, losing in the first round of the first three events.

She has yet to win a singles title. Earlier this year, she reached the final of the ATX Open and lost it to compatriot Peyton Stearns. But in doubles, she has played six finals this season, winning all (ATX Open, Indian Wells Open, Miami Open, Madrid Open, French Open, and the US Open).

Taylor Townsend completes the Career Grand Slam in doubles

The victory at the US Open made Taylor Townsend a Career Grand Slam champion in doubles. She lifted her first Major at the 2024 Wimbledon and took the Australian Open the following season, before winning the French Open and the US Open this season.

I wasn’t in 100% health, and I said, I’m going to come, and I’m going to do what I can. To be able to come here and win as an adult, you know, and be able to play on Arthur Ashe and to hold this trophy, it’s something that’s so special to me, because I don’t forget the things that I’ve gone through.

Taylor Townsend said at the press conference (H/T: The Guardian)

Katerina Siniakova, on the other hand, has won 12 Grand Slam doubles titles. Townsend has never won a mixed doubles title at a Grand Slam, but Siniakova has one title in this format: the 2025 Wimbledon.

In the US Open singles event, Aryna Sabalenka failed to complete the three-peat, losing to Elena Rybakina in three sets. She also lost her No. 1 ranking to the now three-time Grand Slam champion.

It was the second time they met in a Grand Slam final this year, following the Australian Open, which the Kazakh ace won. Rybakina now needs just the French Open to complete the Career Grand Slam.

On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev won his career’s second Grand Slam title by defeating home favorite Ben Shelton. Zverev also competed in mixed doubles with Townsend and lost in the first round.

Also read: Toni Nadal Believes Ben Shelton Would’ve Become One of Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘Biggest Rivals’ Had He Won US Open