Seeking advice from Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams on tennis matters would always be considered an intelligent move.
But getting tips from two of the game's greats on how to juggle motherhood with a professional tennis career would be even more valuable.
Clijsters and Williams have been sounding boards for talented American Taylor Towsend after she gave birth to her son, Adyn Aubrey, in early 2021.
The gesture from both was greatly appreciated by Townsend, who celebrated her first singles win at a major since becoming a mother with a first-round triumph at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
"I definitely did seek advice from Serena, and Kim Clijsters gave me a lot of advice," 135th-ranked Townsend told reporters after defeating France's Diane Parry 6-1, 6-1.
"She's so chill and so relaxed. She was like, 'Just take your time, enjoy it'."
In 2009, Clijsters became the first mother to win a major singles title since Australia's Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980.
The Belgian added two more majors to her tally – the 2010 US Open and 2011 Australian Open – before later retiring from tennis.
Townsend regards Clijsters as a role model for any professional player wanting to continue their careers after becoming a mother.
"She's really the 'OG' person that started having a baby and then coming back," Townsend said.
"Her advice was very important to me because she did it and she lived it and then came back better, won a slam and then bounced out.
"I think it's the best way to do things. Her advice was just really enjoy being a mum, don't rush and take your time because you don't want to come back feeling pressure or anything like that.
"That was kind of like my mentality when I was coming back. I want to enjoy being a mother. I want to understand my son. I don't want to feel the pressure of 'I have to play'.
As much as Townsend enjoyed Tuesday's win at Melbourne Park, the 26-year-old is missing her young son, who stayed behind in the United States when she travelled to Australia in late December.
An emotional Instagram post showed the tight bond Townsend enjoys with Adyn Aubrey, and she was determined to make the most out of their parting before they reunite in the coming weeks.
"It's incredibly important for me to make the times that I leave count," said Townsend, who was runner-up alongside Caty McNally in last year's US Open doubles final.
"I talk to him, and before my matches I look at pictures and videos, and just remind myself of why I'm doing this and why I'm away, so it means something.
"It really is special to make these moments count and to be able to show the ups and downs.
"You just have to keep your head down and continue to push on. I'm just trying to be the best example that I can for him."
