The WTA season has wrapped up with its Riyadh finale, and most of the players have headed home for a well-deserved rest. But, some, including Taylor Townsend, are very much still in the game. Townsend shined in the WTA Finals doubles, reaching the final alongside Katerina Siniakova (which they lost to Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski), and now she’s gearing up for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga. She’s even back on the practice courts, ready to turn on the heat in the BJK Cup.

She joins her teammates Danielle Collins, Caroline Dolehide, and Peyton Stearns, under captain Lindsay Davenport for a high-stakes battle to the top. The competition is fierce, featuring top players like Iga Swiatek from Poland and year-end doubles’ World No. 1 Katerina Siniakova from the Czech Republic. With Coco Gauff, who has cited a shoulder injury as the reason, and Jessica Pegula absent this year after her withdrawal, it’s up to Townsend and her teammates to step up. And so far, she seems ready for the job…

In a recent Instagram reel shared by USTA and Billie Jean King Cup’s official X account, Townsend and Stearns showcased their hard work after a grueling practice session. “It’s my first day hitting but super excited to be representing Team USA,” Townsend said. After having just wrapped up their session, the two players were covered in a sheen of sweat that showcased their dedication to winning this year. Townsend added, “It is hot as hell in here, but we’ve been working. We’re ready to go.”

For the unversed: The event will take place from November 13-20, with USA’s first match scheduled on November 14, against Slovakia. Canada, Italy, the Czech Republic and Australia also got a first-round bye and progressed straight into the quarter-finals as the only seeded qualifiers. The winner will take home a massive $2.5 million, while the runner-ups get $1.4 million, followed by $960,000 for the Semi-finalists, $520,000 for the Quarter-finalists, and $450,000 for those eliminated in the first-round. Fans watching at home can watch the action unfold on The Tennis Channel, which has global and USA broadcasting rights.

Having said that, this tournament marks a pivotal moment for Taylor Townsend—who made her Team USA debut back in 2015—especially after a blistering 2024 season with a maiden Grand Slam win at the Wimbledon Championships. Notably, the USA has won the event a whopping 18 times. However, last year, the Czech team defeated the Americans in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. So now, after a grueling season, Townsend is ready for redemption. When asked if she has enough energy left for the challenge, she confidently replied, “Girl, yes. I do this. I could do this with my eyes closed.”

Townsend thrives in team settings, saying, “It’s always cool because it’s a team spirit. I never played team sports growing up. So like for me, I’ve always done so well in team environments because I’m a leader.” Her positive attitude shines through even after her recent loss in the WTA Finals doubles with Siniakova.

Townsend praises her and Siniakova’s efforts after defeat at the WTA Finals doubles match

The dynamic duo has proven their chemistry time and again on the court. Siniakova’s extensive experience serves as a valuable asset for Townsend. However, despite their best efforts, they couldn’t clinch the title at the 2024 WTA Finals doubles, falling to Routliffe and Dabrowski with a score of 5-7, 3-6. In the aftermath of the match, Townsend’s frustration was evident, but Siniakova was quick to step in and lift her spirits.

A touching moment captured on social media showed Townsend leaning on Siniakova’s shoulder as she offered words of comfort. A fan page celebrated their partnership with an encouraging message: “Be proud of how far you’ve come! Y’all are the best.” Later, Townsend shared a glimpse of their journey together on Instagram, with the caption, “Proud of us @siniakovakaterina.” Their collaboration has already led to significant achievements, including a thrilling victory at the 2024 Wimbledon women’s doubles.

Now heading into the BJK Cup, Team USA will face Team Slovakia on Thursday. Will Townsend be able to keep up her momentum from this season for one last time? Only time will tell!