Taylor Townsend isn’t having the smoothest time right now. The American, who landed in Shenzhen, China for the Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinal tie with Team USA, kicked off her campaign with controversy instead of cheers. On September 16, the tennis mom gave some blunt feedback about the local cuisine at dinner. Albeit she apologized the very next day, it may take much more to win back favor.

On Thursday, as the doubles World No.1 walked into the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center Arena alongside Jessica Pegula, the reception was anything but warm. Townsend was met with loud boos and jeers from the crowd. She didn’t react. Instead, she carried on calmly, heading to the bench, unpacking her kit, and preparing for the match.

For the unversed, two days ago Townsend set off sparks on Instagram while sharing her dinner. On her Story, she showed off the chef’s recommendations, bruised soft-shelled turtle with fish maw and dry pot bullfrog. Stunned, she didn’t hold back: “This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen… and people eating this… Imma have to talk to HR.. because what the hell.. turtle and bullfrog is wild.”

The backlash was quick. The very next day, Townsend returned to Instagram with an apology. “I just wanted to come on here and apologize sincerely from the bottom of my heart,” she said, noting her privilege as a professional athlete able to travel and embrace cultural differences.

She went on, “Everyone has been so kind and so gracious. And the things that I said were not representative of that at all. And I just truly wanted to apologize. There’s no excuse, there are no words. And for me, I just, I will be better.” The apology came swiftly and with sincerity. But the clips that sparked it made clear why the criticism hit so fast. For now, it looks like the tension may take some time to blow over. Not to mention, she was called out by a fellow WTA star as well.

Rennae Stubbs imparts few words of wisdom to Taylor Townsend

Opinions about cultural differences are fair, but only when kept to yourself. When you’re a celebrity like Taylor Townsend, and your followers are wide-reaching, those opinions are better left unsaid or at least carefully curated so as to not offend others. Rennae Stubbs recently joined the bandwagon to weigh in on the Taylor Townsend controversy. Taking to ‘The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast,’ Stubbs explained her own conundrum that she faced during her tour days.

She recalled an incident involving her and Conchita Martínez, a former Wimbledon champion. Martínez offered her some local delicacies during their lunch outing in Barcelona once, and Stubbs did, only to realize later that the composition was pig’s blood. Needless to say, Stubbs was repulsed, but she had a point to make. That is, it is okay to express your opinions to your teammates or your on-court acquaintances or partners when you’re at a huge gathering or at a team dinner.

But then, exercising restraint, especially on a public platform or on social media, is of paramount importance. According to Rennae Stubbs, “We’ve all done it, but you have to recognize if you have a big platform you have to say to yourself, what does this insinuate, and what am I saying in this situation.” Having said that, Stubbs also cushioned her words for Townsend while conceding that many people have said and done things that they regret. There is no dearth of examples within the WTA itself. All the ridicule and hate aside, this too shall pass, though not overnight. Townsend can still walk with her head held high.

With or without the crowd by her side, Townsend’s Team USA is still rocking at the BJK Cup having entered the semifinals emphatically. Next up, they will go head to head with Great Britain on September 20. Whether they can end their 8 year title drought remains to be seen. Drop us your views in a comment.