Keys, who double-faulted twice en route to dropping serve in the fourth game, struggled to meet her opponent’s baseline firepower. Play was briefly delayed as a fan required medical attention in the stands, before Tauson broke for a second time by showing off her feel with a crafty backhand drop shot. She ultimately won 14 of the final 15 points to run away with a one-set lead.
The Dane continued to apply pressure at the start of set two, leading to Keys double-faulting on break point. Keys looked to find her footing as Tauson approached the finish line, relying on her forehand to earn a break point for 4-4. But after her opponent erased it with a solid serve +1, Keys missed a sitter for a second break point—and there would be no further looks at working her way back in.
All seven of Tauson’s career semifinals have come on hard courts, including her runner-up effort to Mirra Andreeva at the 1000-level event at Dubai in February. She awaits the winner of Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina in Wednesday’s final four, with Elena Rybakina set to face rising home talent Victoria Mboko in the other semifinal.
