US Open champ undergoes 'emergency surgery' just days after completing career Grand Slam

Joseph McBrideThu, September 17, 2026 at 2:22 PM UTC

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Taylor Townsend required emergency surgery after the US Open -Credit:2026 Getty Images

US Open women's doubles champion Taylor Townsend has been forced to withdraw from the Guadalajara Open Akron after undergoing emergency surgery.

Townsend celebrated winning the US Open for the first time with partner Katerina Siniakova, completing the career Grand Slam in doubles. After lifting the title in New York City, Townsend used her victory speech to celebrate Black representation in tennis.

The American also sent shockwaves in the singles draw after joining Naomi Osaka in making fashion statements, and matched her career-best of reaching the fourth round. Townsend had followed up her US Open success by reaching the Round of 16 at the GDL Open, but has been forced into surgery.

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Townsend was scheduled to play Marta Kostyuk in the next round, but her opponent received a walkover after the American withdrew. Townsend informed fans on Instagram, first hinting at an unexpected situation before officially announcing the news.

"Welp... this stuff definitely wasn't on my bingo card," Townsend wrote on her Instagram story. "Through trials and tribulations... Still I rise. I'll update y'all soon."

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Townsend then posted an official statement. "Hi everybody, on the heels of achieving my first career Grand Slam at the US Open, I was so excited to play in front of you all at Guadalajara," Townsend said.

"Because of emergency surgery I am forced to withdraw from the GDL Open, and it breaks my heart. But I'm looking forward to coming back next year to see all of you, the greatest tennis fans. Viva Mexico!"

It's unknown when Townsend will return to the WTA Tour, with upcoming events in Singapore and China. Elsewhere, Ben Shelton was withdrawn from the Laver Cup and replaced by Brandon Nakashima.

Shelton was referenced in Townsend's powerful speech after winning the US Open, as she focused on black women playing in the finals, and two black American men in the men's semifinals. "I also just take a lot of pride in this being a black woman here," Townsend said.

Townsend and Katerina Siniakova won the US Open, as the American completed the career Grand Slam -Credit:2026 Robert Prange

"It's two black women here in this finals. There are two black men in the semifinals. And this is a phenomenal time for tennis, for inspiration, for representation."

Townsend even praised former tennis star Chanda Rubin, who was conducting the on-court interview. "Chanda, it means a lot for you to be standing here as well because you paved the way for us as well," Townsend added.

"So thank you. This is a phenomenal time for tennis, and it's just getting started."

Townsend celebrated winning both the French Open and the US Open this year, completing the career Grand Slam. The American has managed to win all four Grand Slams within three years, another stunning achievement.

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Source: “AOL Sports”