By Associated Press - Saturday, May 31, 2014

PARIS (AP) - Chicago teenager Taylor Townsend made quite a splash on the red clay at the French Open, and she enjoyed it so much she’s ready for next year.

She says the crowds were supportive and she “had a great time playing in front of them.”

Townsend was speaking Friday after a 6-2, 6-2 loss to Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain.

The 18-year-old from Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood says she realized she likes “playing in front of a lot of people” on the big stage.

Townsend reached the third round at Roland Garros, quite an accomplishment in her Grand Slam debut.

She also earned some new fans with her aggressive play, including Andy Murray.

The Wimbledon champion said Townsend is “a really nice player to watch” and “hits the ball great.”

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