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Taylor Townsend pulled off a stunning comeback earlier today at the WTA Austin semifinal. The American wild card rallied from 1-4 down to upset Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(6), 6-3 in 63 minutes of thrilling tennis. Townsend now advances to her first-ever WTA singles final.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Townsend def. Krueger 7-6(6), 6-3 in the WTA Austin semifinal
- Comeback: Townsend rallied from 1-4 deficit in first set tiebreaker drama
- Career First: Townsend reaches maiden WTA singles final at No. 119 ranking
- Next Match: Faces Peyton Stearns in all-American Austin final tomorrow
Townsend Stuns Krueger with Epic Tiebreaker Comeback
Taylor Townsend was down and nearly out. At 1-4 in the opening set, the American wild card faced mounting pressure from Dallas native Ashlyn Krueger. But Townsend refused to fold, running off three consecutive games to level at 4-4.
Krueger served for the set at 5-4, yet Townsend found her range, forcing a tiebreaker at 6-6. The breaker became a wild affair. Townsend led 5-1 early, but a crucial missed drop shot at 5-3 cost her momentum. At 5-all, a backhand drop volley into net gave Krueger set point. Townsend saved that point, then torched a backhand pass down the line to secure the 63-minute opening set.
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Second Set Dominance Seals Historic Victory
Townsend’s confidence exploded in set two. She broke Krueger five times over two sets, holding serve without dropping a game after the opening set tiebreaker. A crucial break at 4-3 in the second set put Townsend in control.
Krueger, the 6’1″ Texan, scored seven double faults overall. Townsend’s low, chip returns forced the World No. 103 player into uncomfortable positions. In just 109 total minutes, Townsend sealed the second set 6-3, advancing to her first-ever WTA singles final in just her second tournament of the year.
Career Comparison: Two American Champions
| Stat | Townsend | Krueger |
| Current Ranking | No. 119 (rising to No. 86) | No. 103 |
| Career High | No. 1 in doubles (2025) | No. 29 (2025) |
| WTA Singles Titles | Zero (seeking first today) | One (Japan Open 2023) |
| Doubles Titles | 11 (including 2 Grand Slams) | TBA |
Historic Run: Townsend’s Emotional Journey in Austin
Behind the scenes, Townsend battled emotional turmoil. She sent her four-year-old son, Adyn Aubrey, home this morning before the semifinal, causing her to break down in tears. Yet Townsend channeled that pain into strength. “Today was really emotional,” she said post-match, “but those emotions give me strength.”
Townsend hugged young Adyn courtside after reaching her first-ever WTA singles final. The 29-year-old American has achieved milestones most players chase their entire careers. She became the first mother to reach No. 1 in WTA doubles, won two Grand Slam titles since having AJ, and now targets her maiden singles trophy tomorrow.
“It was one of those days things weren’t working. This feels so so good. I came out nervous. I’m really proud today. We’re gonna keep going. I’m really excited. I’m pumped.”
— Taylor Townsend, WTA Player
All-American Final Sets Up Stearns Showdown on Saturday
Townsend’s opponent tomorrow is fellow American Peyton Stearns. The fourth-seeded Texan defeated Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 in her semifinal, with Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey cheering courtside. Stearns won 2024 Rabat on clay and reached her third career Tour final.
Townsend leads their head-to-head 1-0, having defeated Stearns 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 at Cincinnati in 2022. But tomorrow’s final promises a different energy. Playing in Austin, Stearns’ adopted home city, and chasing her first WTA title since 2024, the fourth seed remains dangerous. Yet Townsend’s magical week has her believing anything is possible—even her first-ever WTA singles crown at age 29 after becoming the first mom to ever dominate WTA doubles history.
Sources
- Tennis Now – Complete match report with quotes from Taylor Townsend on her emotional journey and first WTA final
- Tennis.com – Career-first semifinal breakthrough and rankings update for American wild card
- WTA Official – Tournament scores, player stats, and semifinal results from ATX Open 2026
