American doubles tennis fans have kept their expectations at bay ever since Taylor Townsend was defeated at the 2022 US Open finals. However, they still had high hopes for the determined WTA star, and she proved her worth on the grass major. While this day should be dedicated to the celebrations of her massive victory, fans fiercely turned back to drop responses over Townsend’s controversy with Patrick McEnroe.

Townsend won her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon, partnering with Katerina Siniakova to defeat Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe with a score of 7-6 (5), 7-6 (1). This victory marked a massive milestone for the 28-year-old Chicago native, who failed to secure this win in the 2022 US Open and the 2023 French Open. Emotions were clear in Townsend’s eyes as a double fault from their opponents ensured her long-awaited victory.

This victory also made the world remember the 28-year-old’s tough past with the USTA and Patrick McEnroe. Despite being the world’s top junior player, Townsend was denied funding and support from the USTA due to concerns over her weight and fitness back in 2012. A fan took a shot over the former USTA manager as soon as the WTA star emerged victorious. “This one is for the usta and (PATRICK MCENROE) who tried to ruin a young woman’s career,” he wrote, remembering the move back in 2012 that could have proved to be a major hindrance in her career.

Patrick, brother of John McEnroe, held the position of general manager of the USTA’s player development program during that time. He stated that the decision was made with Townsend’s long-term health in mind. As a result, she was barred from playing in the junior US Open and was left to cover her own travel expenses to compete in other events. A decade later, Townsend managed all of it on her own, proving the judgment incorrect on each account.

When she reached the doubles final at the 2022 US Open, Patrick McEnroe presented the awards, a moment that many fans found ironic because of their history. During the ceremony, Townsend said, “I’ve put in the work, I’ve earned my way to be here, and everyone can see that,” a statement that the community considered as a reminder of her struggle.

With her recent win at Wimbledon, fans have reignited discussions about her past treatment by the USTA and McEnroe. As soon as she lifted the glorious trophy, fans took over social media to do their deed.

Fans “Will never forget” as they lash out at Patrick McEnroe post-Taylor Townsend’s Wimbledon win

The social media populace was majorly inclined towards Townsend’s recent victory alongside Siniakova. While it was a lot more than just a regular slam win, the fans knew how to treat the ones who tried to snatch the opportunity from her.

One fan highlighted one of the fresh posts made by McEnroe. “PMac is such a bum that he immediately tweets about the mens final after Taylor won 😂,” the fan wrote. This was in the context of the “So fired up for the men’s semis @Wimbledon on @espn,” post shared by him on X, with no word about Townsend’s final from the former player.

Another fan made it clear that the snub to Townsend will be remembered by the tennis fraternity for a long time. “Will never forget what they did to her,” they wrote, expecting more surprises and wins from Townsend, hoping they will get more opportunities to lambast McEnroe.

USTA has been under fire by many for losing the attention of tennis fans after legends like Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras hung up the racquet. The Townsend situation put them under fire again, with one fan remembering the snub clear as day. “I’m old enough to remember when the USTA, led by Patrick McEnroe, refused to sponsor/support Taylor Townsend’s career because they felt she needed to lose weight… that’s why it’s 🤬 them and him forever,” a fan wrote.

“So happy for Taylor Townsend, especially after how horribly she was treated by Patrick McEnroe and the USTA for her weight,” a fan wrote. Although this marks Townsend’s first slam, she has managed to earn approximately $4.2 million from the sport. McEnroe’s decision did not weigh her down; rather, it ensured she would find glory one day.

With these and several other comments on a similar note, fans made it clear that they are not ready to forget the tough time that the USTA and Patrick McEnroe collectively gave to the WTA star. As she takes home the title, it is not just a win over her but for a story that has been in writing for a long time.