"I could do this with my eyes closed" - Taylor Townsend unfazed by hectic WTA schedule, eager to represent USA at Billie Jean King Cup
Taylor Townsend is in high spirits ahead of representing the USA at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. She has played over 80 matches this season, combining singles and doubles but continues to show eagerness towards represent her nation.
Townsend has been through an impressive season where she won three doubles titles, including her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. Last week, she competed in the WTA Finals in the doubles event partnering with Katerina Siniakova. The duo reached the final but fell to defeat against second seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe.
This week, Townsend has joined Danielle Collins, Ashlyn Krueger, Caroline Dolehide, and Peyton Stearns in Malaga to represent the USA at the BJK Cup Finals.
In an interview (via Reem Abulleil) before the tournament kicks off, she was asked if she was ready to continue playing at the top level after her long season. Townsend was unperturbed, responding:
"Girl, yes. I do this. I could do this with my eyes closed."
The 28-year-old expressed her excitement for the unique team spirit of the Billie Jean King Cup, noting that she thrives in a team environment where she can take on a leadership role.
“It's always cool, because it's a team spirit. I never played team sports growing up. So like for me, I've always done so well in team environments because I'm a leader, so I really enjoy to create the atmosphere for my team and just to get everyone pumped up and fired up for the matches.”
Although tennis is typically an individual sport, Townsend finds it refreshing to have a supportive team and a captain to lean on during matches. The USA will be led by three-time singles Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport.
Taylor Townsend excited to explore Malaga as she prepares for USA's Billie Jean King Cup Finals tie against Slovakia
Malaga, Spain, will be the host for both the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and the Davis Cup Finals. Team USA member, Taylor Townsend, is visiting the city for the first time and is excited to explore the beach.
"I've never been to Malaga before, I know that it's on the beach, so I'm excited to see another city and just explore that. And more than anything, having some time off," Taylor Townsend said via the WTA.
Notably, the USA is the most successful team in the BJK Cup, winning the event 18 times. The American team was eliminated from the group stage in the Finals last year.
This year, however, there is no group stage format. Four seeded teams have received a bye into the quarterfinals with the rest of the eight teams vying for the other four places. The USA will take on Slovakia and the winner will face fourth-seed Australia.