Controversy Forces Taylor Townsend's Withdrawal from China Open

Taylor Townsend withdraws from China Open amid food controversy

Taylor Townsend withdraws from China Open due to 'change of schedule' after sparking controversy with comments about Chinese food, including eating turtle and bullfrog.

 “I just wanted to come on here and apologize sincerely from the bottom of my heart...”

Taylor Townsend, the doubles world number two, has withdrawn from the China Open in Beijing, citing “a change of schedule” according to the WTA. This decision comes after her controversial comments about Chinese food sparked widespread criticism. While competing at the Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzhen, Townsend posted on Instagram, “What the hell.. turtle and bullfrog is WILD,” and “These people are literally killing frogs, bullfrogs. Aren't those the ones that give you warts and boils and stuff?”

Following the backlash, Townsend issued a public apology on Instagram, stating, “I just wanted to come on here and apologize sincerely from the bottom of my heart. I understand that I am so privileged as a professional athlete to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences, which is one of the things that I love so much about what I do.” She added that everyone in China had been kind and gracious to her, and her comments were not representative of that.

Townsend's withdrawal from the China Open means she will miss the tournament, where she was set to partner with Katerina Siniakova as the top seed in the women's doubles. The pair had a notable run as beaten finalists at the US Open earlier this month. Townsend is also expected to skip the Wuhan Open, marking her absence from the final two WTA 1000 events of the season.

Taylor Townsend, the 29-year-old doubles world number two, has withdrawn from the China Open in Beijing, citing “a change of schedule” according to the WTA. Townsend was set to partner with Czech player Katerina Siniakova as the top seed in the women's doubles, following their impressive run as beaten finalists at the US Open earlier this month.

Fans at Billie Jean King Cup in Shenzen brought this sign following the Taylor Townsend Chinese buffet situation

"Taylor, eat more bullfrogs then you'll play better." pic.twitter.com/ZbVY1dppa7

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 18, 2025

Following the controversy, Townsend apologized for her remarks, stating, “I just wanted to come on here and apologize sincerely from the bottom of my heart... I understand that I am so privileged as a professional athlete to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences.” Despite her apology, Townsend has withdrawn not only from the China Open but also from the Wuhan Open, and is expected to miss the final two WTA 1000 events of the season.