(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Naomi Osaka Ends Clara Tauson’s Dream Run, Reaches Montreal Final
Montreal, August 7, 2025 –
Naomi Osaka continued her stunning comeback on the WTA Tour by defeating Danish star Clara Tauson in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(7), to secure a place in the final of the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in Montreal.
The win marks Osaka’s first appearance in a WTA 1000 final since Miami 2022 and makes her the first Japanese player in the Open Era to reach the final of this prestigious tournament.
Osaka’s Experience Outshines Tauson’s Determination
Tauson, seeded 16th and enjoying one of the best runs of her career, showed remarkable spirit despite personal heartbreak—having lost her grandfather just two days before her quarter-final win over Madison Keys. She fought bravely but was unable to capitalize on key moments during the semifinal.
In the first set, Tauson had two break points at 2-2, but Osaka managed to save both. One critical moment came when Osaka’s return clipped the net and bounced onto Tauson’s side, giving the Japanese star the edge she needed to take control. Osaka then surged ahead to wrap up the set 6-2.
A Tense Second Set Battle
The second set started in Osaka’s favor once again, as she raced to a 3-1 lead. However, Tauson mounted an impressive comeback, leveling the score at 4-4 with aggressive baseline play and improved serving.
The set ultimately went to a tiebreak, where Tauson looked poised to force a decider, jumping ahead 3-0 and earning two set points. But Osaka, known for her composure under pressure, turned the tables and won the tiebreak 9-7, closing out the match in straight sets.
A Canadian Final Awaits
In the final, Naomi Osaka will face 18-year-old Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko, who stunned second seed Elena Rybakina in a thrilling three-set contest: 1-6, 7-5, 7-6.
Mboko’s remarkable victory sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown between a rising homegrown talent and a seasoned four-time Grand Slam champion.
What’s Next?
As Osaka eyes her first WTA 1000 title in over three years, fans around the world will be watching closely to see if she can complete her comeback with a trophy in Montreal.
