Clara Tauson delivered a commanding performance at the Canadian Open, defeating Madison Keys 6-1, 6-4 to reach the semifinals. But the triumph was deeply emotional for the 22-year-old Dane, who revealed in her post-match interview that her grandfather had passed away just two days earlier. Fighting back tears, she shared that the match had taken on personal significance, saying she “really wanted to win for him today.”
News arrives after Swiatek upset
Tauson learned of her grandfather’s death the morning after her stunning win over world No. 3 Iga Swiatek. Despite the heartbreak, she chose to continue competing, channeling her emotions into her performance against Keys. “I really wanted to come out here and show my best tennis for him,” she said. “Hopefully he’s watching.”
A career milestone under difficult circumstances
The win over Keys marked Tauson’s second consecutive victory against a top-10 opponent and secured her place in her second WTA 1000 semifinal of the year. Her poise on court stood in contrast to the emotional weight she carried, making the achievement all the more poignant.
Looking ahead to the semifinals
Tauson will next face Naomi Osaka, who advanced with a straight-sets win over Elina Svitolina. The matchup promises to be a compelling contest between two players in strong form, but for Tauson, the tournament has already become a deeply personal journey—one shaped by loss, resilience, and the drive to honor a loved one.