Taylor Townsend has shed light on the reality of being crowned a Wimbledon champion after winning her first Grand Slam title alongside Katerina Siniakova in doubles.
The American revealed that she had to “pee in a cup” for anti-doping hours after her victory.
And while most players dream of being invited to the Champions’ Ball – a gala for Wimbledon winners – Townsend admitted that she wanted to “get out”.
After reaching several Grand Slam finals in doubles, Townsend finally had her breakthrough with Siniakova at SW19 last month. The American-Czech duo teamed up to beat Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe in two tiebreak sets in the final, taking home the trophy.
Winning a Grand Slam title is the pinnacle of a tennis player’s career. But, as Townsend found out, some of the celebrations weren’t what she expected. The world No. 7 needed to do an anti-doping test before letting the bubbles flow.
“I hadn’t drank in so long and I don’t drink. Dining was closed and I had to do anti-doping blood and urine. So they drew blood, I peed in a cup and I’m drinking champagne,” she told WTA Insider.
“Oh my god, I was looped. I literally made a video, I was like, 0 out of 10. Don’t recommend drinking champagne after playing matches and on an empty stomach. This is terrible.”
Townsend then got to attend the Champions’ Ball, a famous tradition for those who win across all categories at The Championships. Held in a luxury hotel in central London, title victors are invited for dinner while the singles champions get on stage and dance.
But it wasn’t up the 28-year-old’s street. She added: “The Champions’ Ball was very English, very posh. Pinkie up, all the things. Which is fine. It was the experience. When I was in the room getting fitted for the dress and stuff, I was like get me out of here. I don’t like stuff like that, that environment. I’m a tomboy. Give me some sneakers.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk