A Powerful Argument Against Teen Body-Shaming
Body Image When 18-year-old tennis sensation Taylor Townsend beat 21st-ranked Alize Cornet in the French Open on Wednesday, she did more than simply extend her thrilling Grand Slam debut by advancing to the third round. The 205th-ranked Townsend's feat -- it made her the youngest U.S. woman to advance to the third round at the French Open since 2003 -- is even more impressive considering just two years ago, the U.S. Tennis Association attempted to keep her out of competition at the U.S. Open. It was suggested they would not restore their support until the teen, then the top-ranked junior player in the world, lost weight. "Our concern is her long-term health, number one, and her long-term development as a player," Patrick McEnroe, general manager of the USTA's player development program, told the Wall Street Journal's Tom Perrotta at the time. Townsend say her negative experience with the USTA over her weight and fitness level have helped her ...