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Tauson launches terrific comeback to survive stern Mexican challenge in Monterrey

Clara Tauson in action in Mexico
Clara Tauson in action in MexicoCredit: MiguelSierra / EPA / Profimedia

Clara Tauson staged a terrific comeback to advance to the second round of the WTA 500 tournament in Monterrey, Mexico, in the early hours of Tuesday CET. In the first round, the Dane defeated the Mexican home favorite Renata Zarazua 3-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Tauson, who is ranked 42nd in the world, ran into serious trouble against Zarazu who is ranked 71st in the world after a promising start. The Danish favorite took a 2–0 lead before Renata Zarazua found her rhythm and won the next two games.

After Tauson held serve to go up 3–2, the Mexican won the next four games to clinch the first set. Clara Tauson was undeterred when play resumed in the second set, which she won convincingly, 6–3. The Dane served steadily in her own service games and broke her opponent twice.

The third and deciding set was a one-sided affair, with Tauson in complete control from start to finish. The Dane wrapped up the match by converting a break point, winning the set 6–0 in 28 minutes.

This was the second time the two players had faced each other; Renata Zarazua won their first meeting back in November 2024. In the second round, Tauson faces a tough challenge against the Russian player Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The 31-year-old Alexandrova, ranked 19th in the world, is the top seed in Mexico. Clara Tauson holds the head-to-head advantage against the Russian, having won both of their previous encounters. Both matches took place in 2021.

The tournament in Monterrey serves as the final warm-up event before the year's last Grand Slam tournament, the US Open.