Taylor Townsend admitted she had “cried four times” after being forced to miss her son’s fifth birthday party – but it was worth it in the end. The American star teamed up with Katerina Siniakova to lift the doubles title in Indian Wells for the first time in her career. The No. 3 seeds beat Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4) 6-4 in Saturday’s final to lift the trophy.

Before Townsend and Siniakova stepped up to collect their trophy, emcee Andrew Krasny told the crowd that it had been a special day for the 29-year-old. “Taylor, I think everyone needs to know that you missed a very important event to be here today, and I hope that in some small way, it was worth it,” Krasny said as Townsend stepped up to the microphone.

“I’m gonna try to get through this without crying. I’ve cried like four times this morning already. This is so special,” she replied, before addressing Danilina and Krunic, and then her own partner.

“But first off, congratulations to you guys, we’ve had such tough matches against you guys, we’ve lost, I think, three times in a row, so glad to have gotten this one. You guys are playing amazing, really tough team, and all the best to you for the season.

“My girl Kat, thank you for sticking by me. Thank you for sticking through this tournament. You had an amazing run in singles, you played like 11 hours in three days. For you to come out and put your body on the line, to continue to play, that’s not easy, and I really appreciate your dedication to us as a team, so thank you so much for seeing this through.”

The doubles star then finally explained why she had made such a sacrifice to play the final, revealing that it was her son Adyn’s birthday. “Today is such a special day for me, this is my son’s birthday. I’ve cried probably four times just looking at pictures of when he was born and realising that this is the day that my life changed. It was a sacrifice to be here today,” she smiled.

“I’m missing his birthday party, but I’m chasing my dreams and I’m really happy to be able to come out with the win, and I’m really happy to be able to call him and show him the trophy and tell him it was worth it for me not to be there. And so, this is part of the sacrifice of being a mother and a parent.”

It’s also been a week of sacrifices for Siniakova, who caused a massive upset in the singles event when she took out No. 8 seed and defending champion Mirra Andreeva in the third round. The Czech star was then forced to retire injured in the fourth round, saving her body for doubles. It paid off.

After hearing Townsend’s speech, she laughed and told the crowd: “How should I start now?” Siniakova also congratulated their opponents before turning her attention to her partner.

“Big thanks to my partner, thank you for staying here and not going to your son’s birthday party! But as you said, I’m really enjoying playing with you, we’re having fun, we’re enjoying it. I’m just so lucky to get to know you more. Thank you for playing with me as well,” Siniakova said, before she and Townsend hoisted the trophy.