Townsend opines on Billie Jean King, US Open and more

The rest of the 2020 Grand Slam season is in doubt, with the French Open shifted to September, Wimbledon cancelled, and the US Open turning into a temporary hospital. Last year, Taylor Townsend was enjoying her biggest career breakthrough in New York with a fourth-round run as a qualifier—complete with an upset of Simona Halep.

This year, Townsend's not sure she'll have a chance to return to Flushing Meadows, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"It's great that they opened it up to do that," the world No. 73 said, of the US Open's temporary hospital. "But from a player's standpoint I was like, OK, I can't really see us 100 percent playing the Open."

With the ITF, WTA and ATP tours extending the suspension to July 13, it's a legit concern. The USTA has announced that planning for the hard-court Grand Slam is proceeding as scheduled, with the dates still set for Aug. 24-Sept. 13.

To be clear, the stadiums are not being turned into COVID-19 hospital wards. As of now, only the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center indoor courts will serve as a 350-bed hospital, and Louis Armstrong Stadium will be used for fulfilling food service needs.

"The USTA BJK National Tennis Center is a public park, and it is wonderful to see the venue being put to use to help our community in need," Billie Jean King said, on Twitter. "I am proud of the USTA and everyone at the National Tennis Center for stepping up in this critical time."

King's support is exactly what you would expect from the 76-year-old pioneer. This is someone who's fought for equal rights while always trying to help those who need it most, during and after her illustrious playing career saw her raise 12 Grand Slam trophies.

Townsend is more than familiar with King's passion for helping the world after spending five years on King's World TeamTennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. During each three-week-long season, the 23-year-old has learned as much as she could from King.

"It was really cool to be able to be around someone that has so much information about the game, on both sides from the aspect of the business as well as a player," Townsend said. "I don't think I've ever met someone so passionate about what they do. I've learned a lot from her."

While you can't watch Townsend or any pros hit the courts in real life anytime soon, there is one match coming up on Saturday. The WTT Celebrity All-Star Match, which was played on March 1 in San Diego, is airing on CBS Sports at 1:30 p.m. EST. The one-hour special features Townsend, Madison Keys, Sam Querrey, Ryan Harrison, Monica Puig, the Bryans and CoCo Vandeweghe.

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