"My dad took off work, we're gonna keep rocking" - Taylor Townsend turns emotional at Cincinnati Open after reaching 2R cheered on by family & friends

Taylor Townsend became emotional after her first-round win over compatriot Caroline Dolehide at the ongoing 2024 Cincinnati Open. The 28-year-old's family and closest friends were present to watch her fixture at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

The World No. 51 had to work her way into the Cincinnati Open women's singles main draw by winning her qualifying matches against Chloe Paquet and Katie Volynets.

She faced Caroline Dolehide in the opening round of the main draw and got off to a poor start, as the 25-year-old took the first set 6-3. However, Townsend recovered from the setback brilliantly in the second set to win it 6-4 and force the match into a decider.

Things went right down to the wire in the third and decisive set, as the pair fought out a nervy tiebreak. However it was Taylor Townsend, who held her nerve to win it and a register a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) victory.

In her post-match on-court interview, the 28-year-old was asked about a man who has been reportedly going around the Lindner Family Tennis Center, proudly telling people that he was Townsend's father.

The World No. 51 confirmed through her answer that the man was, indeed, her father. She also spoke about how she was not used to having her family and friends around her while playing on the WTA Tour.

"Yeah so I’ll let you guys in on a little thing. I was feeling emotional this morning and last night. It kind of all hit me at once having my family and friends with me. It’s something that doesn’t make me uncomfortable... But I’m not used to it. We’re so used to being on the road by ourselves," Townsend said.

She went on to say that her father "took off work" to see her in action in Cincinnati.

"It’s really special to be able to look over at my box and have people that I really love and care about. I got sad because I was like ‘In a couple days it’s gonna be gone..’ I really had to just kind of ground myself and know to enjoy the present. I’m so happy you’re here. My dad took off work. He’s like ‘I’m here til the end.’ We’re gonna keep rocking dad. Let’s go,” Taylor Townsend added.

Taylor Townsend set to face Daria Kasatkina in the second round of the Cincinnati Open

Daria Kasatkina (Source: Getty)

Taylor Townsend's next opponent at the WTA 1000 event is No. 9 seed Daria Kasatkina, who booked her place in the second round following a comprehensive 6-4, 6-2 win over compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Townsend and Kasatkina have faced each other twice previously on the WTA Tour, with both matches going the Russian's way. Their last meeting came in the second round of the 2022 Silicon Valley Classic, with Kasatkina securing a comfortable 6-4, 6-0 win.

The winner of the match will take on either sixth seed Jessica Pegula or Karolina Muchova in the third round of the Cincinnati Open.