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 Williams, seeking her third successive U.S. Open title and 18th
grand slam singles crown of her career, was simply too experienced
for the erratic-yet-gifted Townsend, the 2012 Australian Open junior
singles and doubles champion.
"Taylor is incredibly talented, she's just so good," Williams said
of the big-serving left-hander in a courtside interview, while
praising the emerging crop of U.S. women in professional tennis. "We
have such an amazing future."
Margaret Court (24), Steffi Graf (22) and Helen Wills Moody (19)
lead the list of all-time grand slam singles titles in women's
tennis.
Townsend wore a big smile during the 55-minute match despite
receiving a lesson from the 32-year-old Williams, who feels a
kinship with the teen from Chicago with the great touch and instinct
for serve-and-volley.
"It was just a lot of different emotions and feelings that were
coming," said Townsend about the experience on Arthur Ashe Stadium
court. "It was just a first for a lot.
"I was playing against one of my tennis idols, someone I've been
watching for years and years. Playing in my home, the last slam of
the year in front of an American crowd."
Townsend began strongly but after a service break in the third game
Williams took over.
"I thought it was an interesting match," said world number one
Williams. "I thought she played really well. She started out super
strong. She did a good job.
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"I think Taylor is a really great player. I believe she does everything
well. She's one of the few players that can come to the net and volley
(and) she has unbelievable hand speed with her racquet."
Townsend said she looks up to Williams and has learned a lot from her.
"She's an African-American woman from Compton, California, who has won
17 grand slam titles. Like, who would have thought?
"She's paved the way for me and not only African-American girls but
girls in general, people in general.
"Just has changed the game of tennis. I think I've just learned from her
story that anything is possible."
Williams, who improved her U.S. Open career record to 73-9, advanced to
meet 81st-ranked Vania King after the American battled to a 6-3 3-6 6-3
victory over former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy.
(Editing by John O'Brien/Greg Stutchbury)
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