TENNIS star Clara Tauson tearfully revealed that her grandfather died this week after securing one of the best results of her career.
The Dane, 22, booked her place in the National Bank Open semi-finals by brilliantly beating Australian Open champion Madison Keys 6-1 6-4 in Montreal.
Tauson had beaten recent Wimbledon winner Iga Swiatek in the previous round.
Between the Swiatek and Keys contests, the world No19 received tragic news.
Speaking on court after last night’s match, Tauson revealed: “Two days ago, my grandfather unfortunately passed away – so I really wanted to win for him today.
“I was told the day after I beat Swiatek, so yesterday, and I really wanted to come out here and show my best tennis for him.
“Hopefully he’s watching.”
Tauson took just 29 minutes to win the first set against an out-of-sorts Keys, converting both of her break point opportunities.
The No16 seed then broken Keys in the opening game of the second set, with the rest of the contest going with serve, Tauson eventually serving it out to love.
Tauson is bidding to win the first Masters 1000 event of her career, having lost to Mirra Andreeva in the Dubai final back in February.
She will meet Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals, in a rematch of their Auckland final from the start of the season.
Osaka had been leading the contest 6-4 before having to retire with injury, handing Tauson her third career title in strange circumstances.
Four time Grand Slam champion Osaka defeated popular Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-2 last night.
Previewing her clash with Tauson, the Japanese star said: “She’s really tough.
“I played her in Auckland this year and I had to stop halfway because I was injured.
“So, I’m really excited that I’m healthy and I hope that it’s a good match for everyone that comes and watches.”
In the other semi-final, home hopeful Victoria Mboko will take on 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
The winner of the tournament will earn 1000 ranking points, as well as a cool $752,275 (£565k) in prize money.
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