PARIS — Taylor Townsend, the American tennis star who has won two Grand Slam doubles titles and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in doubles, has revealed a shocking reality in professional tennis: despite her success, she still can’t secure a clothing sponsor.
Townsend, 28, made the revelation in a candid interview ahead of the 2024 French Open, where she is competing in both singles and doubles. The left-hander, known for her aggressive net play and versatility, has been a consistent force in women’s tennis, yet sponsorship deals—a critical revenue stream for players—remain elusive.
A Staggering Lack of Recognition
Despite her impressive résumé, which includes:
- Winning the 2024 Australian Open women’s doubles title (with partner Hsieh Su-wei)
- Claiming the 2023 US Open mixed doubles title (with Ben Shelton)
- Reaching the 2023 Wimbledon doubles final
- Peaking at No. 2 in the WTA doubles rankings
In her interview, Townsend expressed frustration: "It’s wild to me that I’ve accomplished so much, yet brands don’t see the value in sponsoring me. I’ve proven myself on the biggest stages, but the support just isn’t there."
The Sponsorship Gap in Women’s Tennis
Townsend’s situation highlights a broader issue in women’s sports, where even elite athletes struggle to secure endorsements. Unlike male counterparts who often land lucrative deals early in their careers, female players—particularly those outside the singles top 20—face an uphill battle.
Analysts point to several factors:
- Marketability Bias: Brands often prioritize singles success over doubles, despite doubles requiring exceptional skill.
- Visibility Issues: Doubles matches receive less TV coverage, reducing exposure for players like Townsend.
- Demographics: Sponsors tend to favor younger players or those with a strong social media presence.
A History of Overcoming Odds
Townsend’s career has been defined by resilience. Once the top-ranked junior in the world, she faced early criticism about her physique before proving doubters wrong. In 2019, she made a stunning run to the US Open doubles final, and her recent Grand Slam wins have solidified her as one of the best doubles players in the world.
Yet, the lack of sponsorship has forced her to rely heavily on tournament earnings. "People assume that if you’re winning Slams, the money and deals just flow in. That’s not the reality for a lot of us," she said.
The Response from the Tennis World
Fellow players have rallied behind Townsend. Former doubles No. 1 Bethanie Mattek-Sands tweeted: "It’s ridiculous that a player of Taylor’s caliber doesn’t have a clothing deal. Brands need to wake up and recognize true talent."
The WTA has not commented directly on Townsend’s situation, but insiders suggest the organization is aware of the sponsorship disparities. A 2023 WTA report found that only 35% of top-50 doubles players had apparel sponsors, compared to 82% of top-50 singles players.
What’s Next for Townsend?
Despite the challenges, Townsend remains focused on her game. She enters the French Open as a favorite in doubles and is determined to prove her worth. "I’ll keep winning, keep pushing. Eventually, someone will notice," she said.
For now, she continues to compete in plain attire—a silent but powerful statement about the gaps in tennis sponsorship. As the sport grapples with issues of equity, Townsend’s story serves as a reminder that success on the court doesn’t always translate to support off it.
Her resilience, however, remains unshaken. "I didn’t get this far by waiting for handouts. I’ll keep fighting—for myself and for every player who’s been overlooked."