After a two-month break recovering from a concussion, Taylor Townsend made a triumphant return to the court at Roland Garros—this time not only as a player but also as a fashion entrepreneur.
The two-time Grand Slam champion grabbed attention with her unique, custom-designed outfits during the tournament. Each kit featured a bold “TT” logo, part of a self-driven clothing initiative Townsend is launching with the help of creative director Alexander John, known for his work with LA Gear, Puma, and Roc Nation.
During a stop at the Tennis Channel set in Paris, Townsend spoke with host Prakash Amritraj about her recovery, her recent doubles success, and her decision to take full control of her on-court style.
“I’m doing great,” Townsend said. “It was a scary situation with the concussion, but now I’m doing great… I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t OK.”
Townsend sustained her injury after a fall during a doubles quarterfinal in Miami with partner Katerina Siniakova. Despite initially continuing to compete, she soon realized the severity of her condition.
“It was one of those things where I didn’t realize how bad it really was until I started doing tests and going to the doctor,” she shared. “It was tough to have to pull out of Madrid and Rome, but then I was like, ‘OK, let me just take the proper time to get healthy.’ And also, I’m not about to play with my brain!”
Her return to Paris marked more than just physical recovery—it was a statement of independence and creativity. Townsend’s new apparel showcased her personal brand and vision.
“This tournament was about me getting my logo out there and people being able to see me branded,” she said, hinting that new designs are in the works for Wimbledon. “I’m just taking things into my own hands. You know, I’ve had so much success and done so many things—but I’m No. 2 in the world in doubles and I still don’t have a clothing sponsor. So I was like, why not take it into my own hands and do my own thing?
“…I’m really excited for you guys to see what’s coming—but this is just the start!”
Townsend displayed her custom looks across all competition formats during the tournament. She advanced to the final round of singles qualifying and entered the main draw as a lucky loser before falling to Elisabetta Cocciaretto. In doubles, she reached the quarterfinals with Siniakova and made it all the way to the mixed doubles final alongside fellow Chicagoan Evan King.
Their partnership added a historic note to the tournament: for the first time, African-American players reached at least the quarterfinals in all five professional disciplines—men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles—at a single Grand Slam.
“We’re both from the South Side of Chicago, and he said, like, ‘Tuley Park to Roland Garros!’” Townsend said of King. “And I’m like, ‘That is so crazy!’ Because that’s literally where I grew up playing and where he grew up playing.
“Like, the Black tennis community in the South Side of Chicago is not big. Everyone knows each other: We’ve all trained together, we’ve all hit together…
“It’s so fun to be able to be on the same side of the court as him, and I’m so happy for the success that he’s having… And he’s locked me up for Wimbledon!” she added with a smile.
As she looks ahead to Wimbledon, Townsend is not only focused on her game—but on expanding her reach as a designer and role model, using her story, style, and success to inspire both on and off the court.
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