Townsend, Tiafoe spread messages of awareness

Tennis United has been connecting players and fans every Friday with co-hosts Vasek Pospisil and Bethanie Mattek-Sands leading the charge during the coronavirus pandemic. But the most recent episode was very different from the usual light-hearted fun and games.

In light of recent events in America, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Townsend spoke out out about what is going on, what they are doing to raise awareness, and why things need to change.

Tiafoe and his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield created a #TennisForEquality video featuring many players putting their racquets down and hands up.

"Our idea was to spread awareness," Tiafoe said on Tennis United. "People to understand that just because you’re reaching out doing this, it’s not coming from a bad way. You don’t support one side or the other. It’s kind of just building awareness of a true fact that’s going on out here in America."

In making the video, Tiafoe reached out to friends like Naomi Osaka, Gael Monfils, Taylor Townsend, Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens, James Blake and more.

"Asking Serena, I was extremely nervous," the 22-year-old said. "She took it unbelievable and she said she was proud. And Osaka did with quickness. She was very about it. Obviously, Coco did some stuff before me."

Townsend got her chance to speak openly on Tennis United, and she described how she deals with extra security and scrutiny at tournaments where she says she has to constantly prove she belongs.

"Even in the tennis world, it’s not a united place," Townsend said. "Everybody sees a black person and they assume it’s Venus or Serena or Sloane. I’ve been literally all of the down the list, except for myself."

Townsend explained she is used to being mistaken for other black players, and doesn't see anything changing anytime soon.

"It’s not going to change," she said. "I don't expect things to change so hopefully this just creates a safe space and and awareness for people to want to ask about it and not be uncomfortable, not to cringe, and to be able to be open-minded and understand."