A harrowing fall in the Morocco Open has dashed Taylor Townsend’s French Open dream. And while she battles with the injury, concerns about her well-being have left fans worried, including some WTA players. Along with the fans, her fellow compatriots Danielle Collins, Coco Gauff, and Japanese WTA star Naomi Osaka have recently shared heartwarming messages for Townsend, who has had to pull out of the French Open.

Taylor Townsend, known for her powerful left-handed game, took a tumble while competing against Kamilla Rakhimova in the 32nd round of the Morocco Open. But leaving the tournament mid-match was not the only consequence she had to face. After almost five days, Townsend announced on her Instagram that she was withdrawing from Roland Garros as well.

“I’m so sad to have to withdraw from Roland Garros due to a chronic ankle sprain that happened in Rabat. I’ve done very intense rehab over the last week but I will not be ready to compete and win. This is just a little hiccup, but one thing about ya girl, I can hold my breath a long time,” Townsend declared.

 

Soon, her social media flooded with messages of support and love. Among them, Coco Gauff wrote, “so sorry girl ❤️ the bounce back is gonna be unreal.” Coco Gauff’s connection with Townsend goes back to 2022 when they made headlines while playing the Atlanta event. Gauff won that match but it was their #TortillaChallenge off the court that made headlines in the tennis world. Gauff’s usual doubles partner Jessica Pegula also sent in virtual support with emojis, “❤️‍🩹💪🙏.”

The worst thing is that just a few months ago in April, Townsend had said on the WTA Insider Podcast, “We definitely plan so I don’t get burned out. I think that shows. I’m not injured, I haven’t had any injuries, and I’m not taped up.” Oh, how the tables turn!

Along with these two, there was Danielle Collins, who wrote, “Thinking about you ❤️ sending hugs.” Collins, who has faced Townsend three times on-court is well aware of the injuries and physical limitations that one faces in their career. After all, she is battling her own struggles with two autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis and endometriosis) in her life as well.

Naomi Osaka also wrote, “Hope you feel better 😢❤️❤️.” Much like Townsend, Osaka also knows the pain behind withdrawing from tournaments because of injuries. Among them, an incident occurred in 2022. The former World No. 1 withdrew from Wimbledon due to her Achilles heel injury.

Townsend will now focus on her recovery, but the tennis world will definitely miss her in the French Open this season. Especially after her incredible run in the doubles category in Paris last year.

Taylor Townsend’s unique celebration after qualifying for the French Open doubles category 

Last year, Taylor Townsend and Leylah Fernandez earned their first maiden Grand Slam doubles final at the Roland Garros. After successfully defeating Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the semi-final (6-0,6-4), both Townsend and Fernandez threw their racquets in the air with joy. Obviously, what followed was Townsend’s signature celebration style- salt sprinkling.

“It’s just an inside joke that I have with my team because we found some of the food sometimes doesn’t have any seasoning on it. I’m, like, sprinkling a little salt, seasoning, just season the crowd, season the ball, the court, everything,” Townsend said after the match.

Although they fell short in the final, even then, the duo’s incredible prowess received a lot of praise from fans worldwide. However, to witness the same level of energy in Townsend’s game, it seems we have to wait for another year. Till then, like her colleagues, we all hope she recovers soon!