Clara Tauson Cruises Past Stearns, Faces Pegula Next

Tauson advances to round of 16 in Dubai

Clara Tauson beats Payton Stearns 6-2, 6-4, setting up a clash with World No. 4 Jessica Pegula in Dubai.

Tauson turned the match in her favor, saving a break point and breaking cleanly to lead 3-2...

Clara Tauson booked her spot in the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, beating Payton Stearns 6-2, 6-4. The win sets up a huge clash with World No. 4 Jessica Pegula.

Tauson's victory was a revenge match after losing to Stearns at the US Open in 2023. She started strong, breaking Stearns early and cruising to the win.

Stearns, ranked 58th, was in the main draw as a “lucky loser” but couldn't match Tauson's pace. 

Tauson took control of the match, fending off two break points to take a 2-0 lead. It seemed to take the wind out of Stearns' sails, and Tauson capitalized, delivering flawless service games and breaking Stearns again to take a 5-2 lead.

The first set was effectively decided, with Tauson managing her errors well. While she did make some unforced errors, Stearns was struggling to capitalize, and Tauson made her work hard for every point.

Stearns fought back to 1-1 in the second set, but her momentum was short-lived. She had to pause for treatment on a sore shoulder, a sign of the toll the tournament was taking on her.

The American had played four matches in four days, including two tough three-setters in qualifying, and it seemed to be catching up with her. Tauson capitalized on Stearns' struggles, taking advantage of the American's physical fatigue.

Tauson turned the match in her favor, saving a break point and breaking cleanly to lead 3-2. She was focused in her own service games, making the most of her powerful serves.

The Dane was on fire with her serves, delivering 11 aces on Tuesday. She's racked up 31 aces in just four sets, including her win over Sofia Kenin on Monday.

As the defending finalist in Dubai, Tauson has points to defend and is looking strong.