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Clara Tauson continues to make her case as a viable US Open contender after reaching her second WTA 1000 semifinal of the year Tuesday on the back of successive Top 10 wins.

For the second round running in Montréal, Tauson knocked out a 2025 major winner. Having taken down Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek, the 22-year-old followed that result up by dominating Australian Open title holder Madison Keys with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-4 victory.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Clara Tauson rolls over Madison Keys in Montreal quarterfinals

Tauson put together the impressive display all while grappling with the loss of a beloved family member.

“Two days ago, my grandfather unfortunately passed away. So I really wanted to win for him today,” Tauson revealed in an on-court interview, as the crowd applauded when she wiped away tears.

“I really wanted to come out here and show my best tennis for him.”

Tauson defeated Keys on her way to triumphing in Auckland to launch her 2025 season, ahead of the American’s scorching run Down Under that saw Keys go back-to-back in Adelaide and Melbourne. After Tauson fended off two break points in the opening game, she emerged as the dominant hitter of the opening set in their latest encounter.

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Keys, who double-faulted twice en route to dropping serve in the fourth game, struggled to meet her opponent’s baseline firepower. Play was briefly delayed as a fan required medical attention in the stands, before Tauson broke for a second time by showing off her feel with a crafty backhand drop shot. She ultimately won 14 of the final 15 points to run away with a one-set lead.

The Dane continued to apply pressure at the start of set two, leading to Keys double-faulting on break point. Keys looked to find her footing as Tauson approached the finish line, relying on her forehand to earn a break point for 4-4. But after her opponent erased it with a solid serve +1, Keys missed a sitter for a second break point—and there would be no further looks at working her way back in.

All seven of Tauson’s career semifinals have come on hard courts, including her runner-up effort to Mirra Andreeva at the 1000-level event at Dubai in February. She awaits the winner of Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina in Wednesday’s final four, with Elena Rybakina set to face rising home talent Victoria Mboko in the other semifinal.