Taylor Townsend defeats Sloane Stephens in Atlanta Open exhibition match

Coming into the match, Stephens led 2-0 in the head-to-head encounter, with the last meeting dating back to February 2023 at the ATX Open in Austin, Texas. This third encounter had a lighter atmosphere than their previous two. In the end, Townsend defeated Stephens 7-6, 6-3 in what was more about enjoyment and crowd engagement than statistics. Despite being an exhibition match, both players showed their true competitiveness throughout the match while keeping it friendly and jovial.

Townsend quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her witty remarks to the crowd after nearly every point. Once, before receiving Stephens’ serve, Townsend jokingly asked the crowd where Stephens was going to aim her serve.

Toward the end of the first set, Stephens brought out her secret weapon: one of the ball girls to join her team in a 2-on-1 match against Townsend, a fun surprise that the entire crowd enjoyed and applauded.

The camaraderie between the two players can be summed up as follows: They would sit side by side between matches to dry off and stay hydrated. They both had smiles on their faces during both sets.

“Yeah, it was great. Being able to play in front of a sold-out crowd makes it really special,” Stephens said. “But I think women come out a little bit more often because they don’t see as much women’s tennis. So it was special to be able to play here in front of such a great crowd.”

The duo commented on the freer, lighter style of play than in circuit competitions, especially in Grand Slam matches.

“We get to let our personalities out because we know it’s for entertainment, so we can really have fun,” Townsend said. “Tennis can be a very strict sport where you have to be discreet and there’s etiquette and rules. So to be able to get out of that situation is always nice and fun.”

Stephens and Townsend both said they hope the ATP and WTA can find a way to bring men’s and women’s professional tennis back to the city, since this year marks the grand finale of the Atlanta Open, which has been part of the ATP Tour since 2010. Both believe the WTA would do well in Atlanta, but they realize it’s out of their control.

“Yes, you have to ask people who have checkbooks and pens,” Townsend said.