Taylor Townsend has officially pulled out of the entire China swing on the WTA Tour due to an ankle injury. The decision comes just days before the start of major events in Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Beijing, where Townsend was expected to compete in both singles and doubles.

The withdrawal is a blow to Townsend’s momentum, especially after a strong summer that saw her qualify for the WTA Finals in doubles. Her absence from the Asian circuit means missing out on valuable ranking points and preparation ahead of the season-ending championships.

Recent Controversy Adds Complexity

Townsend’s exit also follows a wave of backlash stemming from comments she made about Chinese cuisine during the Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen. In a series of Instagram stories, she expressed shock and discomfort at local dishes, prompting criticism from fans and media.

“I’m honestly just so shocked at what I saw in the dinner buffet… these people are literally killing frogs… Aren’t those poisonous?” she said in one of the clips.

Taylor Townsend in 2025

Now ranked no.114, the American played her last match on the 31^st of August when she was overcome by world no.34 Barbora Krejcikova 1-6 7-6(13) 6-3 in the 4^th round of the U.S. Open (draw).

This season Townsend achieved a composed 19-14 win-loss record.