Taylor Townsend talks challenges, motherhood, & perseverance on the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast 

In 2012 Taylor Townsend was one of the most captivating players in the game. But after an unfortunate disagreement played out in brutal public fashion, all momentum and progress seemed to be lost. Many would've withered away and crumbled under the scrutiny. Townsend isn't just anybody though.

The 25-year old from Chicago joined the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast in the midst of her television analyst debut, while on maternity leave after the birth of her first child. The new mother talked from the heart about her upbringing in the sport, and what kept her pushing forward after her career was sidetracked before it really got started.

"I think the whole mantra of me and my brand is perseverance" Townsend said about her life. "There's constant challenges, but it's really about how you continue to put one foot in front of the other."

Despite all the challenges and hardships, Townsend has managed to carve out a solid career full of highlights. She won the doubles title in Auckland alongside Asia Muhammad in 2020, defeating Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki in the final. But it was her magical US Open run to the fourth round in 2019 that will always hold a special place in her heart. She defeated Simona Halep in front of a raucous crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium, which included none other than the late great Kobe Bryant in attendance.

"It was amazing. I can still feel the energy when I watch the highlight on YouTube. I can still feel what that feeling was like when I played," she said.

Townsend has a new perspective on life, thanks exclusively to the addition of her son Adyn Aubrey into this world. And while the new mother absolutely loved her first stint on the Tennis Channel airwaves, a return to the court in 2022 is on agenda. Listen to all this and more, on the week's episode of Tennis Channel Inside-In.