Stockbridge, Georgia resident Taylor Townsend,who is considered to be a bright future star for American tennis,has decided that the future is now. The Sports Business Journal reports that Townsend has signed a deal with sports and entertainment agency Lagardere Unlimited and is expected to play professionally next year.
The move ends months of speculation about weather the top ranked junior player in the world would make the move to the next level. It also comes on the heels of a well publicized clash with USTA Player Development after funding was withheld from Townsend before the US Open. USTA Player Development officials expressed concern over Townsend’s fitness. Townsend payed her own way to New York,won the junior doubles title and scores of new fans.
I recently spoke with Taylor’s mother, Shelia, who informed me that the 16 year old would not be going back to Australian in Jaunary to defend her juniors title from 2012. Instead, Taylor will remain in the states and play professional tournaments at Innisbrook ,Florida and Port St. Lucie, Florida in January. In February ,Townsend plans to play the pro event at Midland, Michigan, and Memphis, Tennessee. In March, look for Taylor Townsend to play at Indian Wells, California and Key Biscayne, Florida . The Family Circle Cup at Charleston, South Carolina is on her schedule for April.
This week Taylor Townsend is the top seed at the Orange Bowl tournament in Florida.
