
10/16/2025
Taylor Townsend Reveals Japan Open Chaos After Back-to-Back Matches in 25 Minutes
Taylor Townsend's return to singles action at the 2025 Kinosh*ta Group Japan Open in Osaka turned into a whirlwind of triumph and turmoil, as the American top seed in doubles revealed the "chaos" of back-to-back matches crammed into just 25 minutes. The world No. 121, sidelined for over six weeks after a fourth-round US Open exit and an ankle tweak during the Billie Jean King Cup, kicked off her comeback with a gritty three-set thriller against Japanese wildcard Ayano Shimizu on October 13. Townsend dropped the first set 6-7 (4-7) after squandering an early lead but roared back, firing 11 aces and converting 72% of her first-serve points to claim the next two sets 6-3, 7-6 (7-3). She saved six match points in a match that tested her rust, showcasing the fighting spirit that endeared her to fans at Flushing Meadows. Victory secured, but relief was fleeting: With barely time to towel off, she dashed to the adjacent court for her qualifying doubles opener against Hungary's Dalma Gálfi.