Krueger Advances to ATX Open Final with Straight-Sets Win Over Townsend

American upstart Ashlyn Krueger defeats veteran Taylor Townsend to reach first career WTA singles final.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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In an all-American semifinal matchup at the 2026 ATX Open, 23-year-old Ashlyn Krueger defeated 30-year-old Taylor Townsend in straight sets to advance to the tournament final. Krueger, who was playing in her first career WTA semifinal, won 6-4, 6-3 over the more experienced Townsend, who was making her first singles semifinal appearance.

Why it matters

Krueger's run to the final represents a breakthrough moment for the young American, who has struggled to find consistent success on the WTA Tour. Townsend, a former top-50 player, was looking to regain her form and reach her first singles final since 2018.

The details

Krueger was the aggressor throughout the match, winning 72% of her first-serve points and breaking Townsend's serve three times. Townsend fought hard, saving 11 of 14 break points faced, but was ultimately undone by 30 unforced errors compared to just 18 for Krueger. The 23-year-old's powerful groundstrokes and court coverage proved too much for the veteran Townsend to handle on the day.

  • The semifinal match took place on February 28, 2026 at the Westwood Country Club in Austin, Texas.
  • Krueger and Townsend were competing in the WTA 250 ATX Open, a hard-court tournament.

The players

Ashlyn Krueger

A 23-year-old American player who was making her first career WTA semifinal appearance. Krueger has won one WTA singles title and reached another final in her young career.

Taylor Townsend

A 30-year-old American player who was competing in her first singles semifinal since 2018. Townsend is a former top-50 player who has found more success in doubles than singles in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so proud of myself for staying focused and playing my game. Taylor is a tough opponent, but I was able to dictate the tempo and come up with the big shots when I needed them.”

— Ashlyn Krueger (Tennis Channel)

“Ashlyn played a great match and deserved to win today. I gave it my all out there, but she was the better player. Congrats to her on reaching her first WTA final.”

— Taylor Townsend (Instagram)

What’s next

Krueger will face the winner of the other semifinal between Caty McNally and Rebecca Masarova in the ATX Open final on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Krueger's breakthrough run to the ATX Open final represents a significant milestone in the young American's career, as she continues to establish herself as a rising star on the WTA Tour. Meanwhile, the veteran Townsend will look to regroup and build on this semifinal appearance as she seeks to regain her past form and success.