Townsend sends message on overcoming adversity

Taylor Townsend is busy preparing for the impending arrival of her first child in the spring, but that doesn't mean she doesn't still have her finger on the pulse. The 24-year-old recently appeared as one of four athletes interviewed for uDiscover Music's Women With A Message campaign

She was asked about the challenges and adversity women face in sports, and how athletes can use their platform to enact change.

"I think it’s very difficult being a woman of color who plays tennis, which is a predominantly white sport," Townsend said, adding that it's also hard to carve out an identity with Serena and Venus Williams so dominant.

Townsend has been ranked as high as No. 61 in the world, at at the time of her baby news, she was ranked No. 90. She broke through last year at the US Open by reaching the round of 16 as a qualifier.

Though just 24, the soon-to-be-mother is looking out for the next generation. Having the Williams sisters has been a huge influence on women, particularly black women, in sports, but they will have to retire some day.

"It’s important that we continue to try to elevate the youth and be able to think about what’s after," Townsend said.

In the interview—which also features WNBA players Tamera Young and Essence Carson and Olympic swimmer Lia Neal—Townsend brought up Naomi Osaka's public stand at the Western & Southern Open. In August, Osaka declined to play her semifinal match in protest, and enacted a 24-hour pause in play. Townsend said "making people aware and making people see and hear what she has to say, it’s amazing".

The American would go 0-2 in New York in singles but reach the semifinals of the US Open with Asia Muhammad.

Check out Townsend's episode of the TENNIS.com Podcast: