Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Taylor Townsend arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium for her US Open Round of 16 clash against Aryna Sabalenka dressed as if she was stepping onto a fashion runway rather than one of tennis’ biggest stages.
The American turned heads with an all-black ensemble for her walk-on, featuring a dramatic, flowing silhouette that immediately stood apart from the conventional tennis look. The outfit had a glossy, sculptural quality, giving Townsend an imposing presence as she made her way towards the court.
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It was another chapter in what has been a fashion-forward US Open for Townsend. The 30-year-old has worn a different custom look for each round of this year’s tournament, with designer Anthony Lattimore and stylist J. Bolin creating outfits that deliberately blur the line between sport and fashion. The designs have incorporated hand-beaded fringe, sequins and sculptural elements, while retaining the flexibility and support required for high-level tennis.
The fashion statement also fits Townsend’s wider approach to clothing. She has spoken about wanting the freedom to express herself through what she wears, after years without a clothing sponsor, and has built her own fashion identity alongside her tennis career.
The dramatic black look, however, could not become the headline of the evening.
TOWNSEND’S IMPRESSIVE RUN ENDS AGAINST SABALENKA
Townsend entered the last-16 clash as the world No.96 but with a reputation for producing her best tennis at Flushing Meadows. She had already beaten Maja Chwalinska 6-2, 6-3, Talia Preston 6-1, 6-1 and Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3 to reach the fourth round.
Against Sabalenka, she refused to be overawed. The opening set featured a remarkable sequence of breaks, with Townsend repeatedly finding ways to trouble the defending champion. She also moved 3-1 ahead in the second set, briefly raising hopes of a major upset.
But Sabalenka’s power and composure eventually proved decisive. The world No.1 recovered to win the second set and closed out a 6-4, 6-3 victory, ending Townsend’s singles campaign.
Townsend may have left the singles draw, but she once again ensured that at the US Open, her tennis was not the only thing people were talking about.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
