Townsend smashing stereotypes amid her French Open success

"Just don't go there," one producer was overheard telling an announcer.For now, though, the grass awaits and Townsend will continue on, winning matches and

Jon Wertheim|

Taylor Townsend became the youngest player to reach the third round of the French Open since 2003. — Taylor Townsend became the youngest player to reach the third round of the French Open since 2003 :: Matthais Hangst/Getty Images

"Just don't go there," one producer was overheard telling an announcer.

Taylor Townsend knocked out top French player Alize Cornet in straight sets in round two. — Taylor Townsend knocked out top French player Alize Cornet in straight sets in round two :: Matthais Hangst/Getty Images

For now, though, the grass awaits and Townsend will continue on, winning matches and fans in comparable proportion. And if we're being honest, she is taxing the weight and straining the girth of this old axiom: no cheering in the press box.

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Published May 30, 2014 | Modified May 30, 2014

JON WERTHEIM

Jon Wertheim is a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and has been part of the full-time SI writing staff since 1997, largely focusing on the tennis beat, sports business and social issues, and enterprise journalism. In addition to his work at SI, he is a correspondent for “60 Minutes” and a commentator for The Tennis Channel. He has authored 11 books and has been honored with two Emmys, numerous writing and investigative journalism awards, and the Eugene Scott Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Wertheim is a longtime member of the New York Bar Association (retired), the International Tennis Writers Association and the Writers Guild of America. He has a bachelor’s in history from Yale University and received a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City and Paris with his wife, who is a divorce mediator and adjunct law professor. They have two children.

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