Iga Swiatek Becomes Latest Seed to Fall at Canadian Open as Clara Tauson Scores Stunning Upset
Swiatek was playing in her first tournament since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last month

Iga Swiatek Becomes Latest Seed to Fall at Canadian Open as Clara Tauson Scores Stunning Upset

Wimbledon Champion Swiatek Sent Packing in Montreal Fourth Round

In a week already brimming with surprises, Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek has become the latest high-profile casualty at the Canadian Open. The world number two and second seed in Montreal was sent tumbling out of the tournament by Denmark’s Clara Tauson, who produced a fearless performance to secure a 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 victory and book her place in the quarter-finals.

For Tauson, ranked 19th in the world, the win carried extra significance. Just last month, she had fallen to Swiatek in the fourth round at Wimbledon. This time, however, she turned the tables in style, avenging that defeat and further enhancing her growing reputation on the WTA Tour.


Tauson’s Revenge and Rise in Confidence

Speaking after the match, Tauson was brimming with pride at her ability to overcome one of the sport’s toughest competitors.

“Obviously it’s really great and it shows all the hard work I’ve been doing has been the right thing,” Tauson said. “I’m getting more confidence at this kind of level and feeling like I belong here a bit more. I think that really helped me today in the important points.”

That composure in the pressure moments was especially evident in the first-set tiebreak, where Tauson dominated 7-1 to seize control of the match. Her aggressive groundstrokes and calmness under fire forced Swiatek onto the back foot—a rare sight for the usually dominant Pole.

This victory adds another highlight to what has already been a solid 2024 for Tauson. She clinched her third WTA title in January—her first since 2021—signalling her return to form after a challenging couple of seasons.


More Big Names Tumble in Montreal

Swiatek’s early exit is part of a wider trend at this year’s Canadian Open, with several top seeds falling before the business end of the tournament. Top seed Coco Gauff, two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula, and fourth seed Mirra Andreeva have all been knocked out, leaving the draw wide open for the remaining contenders.

For Tauson, the path ahead remains challenging. She will face Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the quarter-finals. Keys showed her trademark grit in her own fourth-round battle, saving two match points before battling past Czech star Karolina Muchova 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.


Osaka in Cruise Control

Naomi Osaka hits a ball in Montreal ga Swiatek Becomes Latest Seed to Fall at Canadian Open as Clara Tauson Scores Stunning Upset

Naomi Osaka hits a ball in Montreal ga Swiatek Becomes Latest Seed to Fall at Canadian Open as Clara Tauson Scores Stunning Upset

Earlier in the day, Naomi Osaka delivered one of her most dominant performances since returning from maternity leave. The four-time Grand Slam champion needed just 49 minutes to dismantle Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0.

The victory was a reminder of the form that once made Osaka a fixture at the top of the sport. A two-time champion at both the US Open and Australian Open, she has been working her way back up the rankings since rejoining the tour in early 2024. Currently ranked 49th, she has set her sights on claiming her first title of the season.

Osaka recently parted ways with high-profile coach Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year together. She is now working with Tomasz Wiktorowski, the former coach of Swiatek, and the early signs suggest the partnership is clicking.

“I had a solid plan coming in here and it just happened to work out pretty well,” Osaka said after her win, exuding the calm confidence that has always been a hallmark of her best tennis.


De Minaur Continues Hot Streak in Men’s Event

While the drama unfolded in Montreal, the men’s side of the Canadian Open in Toronto also delivered its share of storylines. Ninth seed Alex de Minaur extended his winning run with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory over seventh seed Frances Tiafoe.

The Australian, fresh from lifting the Washington Open trophy last week, is riding a wave of momentum as he targets a deeper run than his runner-up finish in Toronto last year. Known for his relentless speed and defensive skills, De Minaur has been adding more aggression to his game—a change that is clearly paying off.


Rune Shocked by Popyrin

Not all seeds were able to keep their campaigns alive. Fifth seed Holger Rune suffered a surprise defeat, falling 6-4, 2-6, 3-6 to fellow Aussie Alexei Popyrin. Rune had looked in control after a strong opening set, but Popyrin raised his level in the second and third, using his booming serve and forehand to dismantle Rune’s rhythm.

The win marks one of Popyrin’s most notable victories of the season and adds another layer of unpredictability to an already volatile men’s draw.


An Open Path to the Finals

With so many high seeds eliminated early, both the men’s and women’s draws at the Canadian Open are now wide open. For Tauson, her upset over Swiatek could be a career-defining moment if she can back it up with another deep run. For Osaka, it’s a chance to re-establish herself as a contender ahead of the US Open.

On the men’s side, De Minaur’s form makes him one to watch, while Popyrin’s upset win over Rune will surely boost his confidence heading into the latter stages.

What’s certain is that the 2024 Canadian Open has been anything but predictable, and with the finals still days away, more shocks could be on the horizon.

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