Clara Tauson Eyes Top 30 Ranking After Stunning Wins in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Clara Tauson is poised to break into the WTA’s top 30 for the first time following an impressive week at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where the 22-year-old from Denmark has secured victories against some of the world’s top players, including Aryna Sabalenka, the current world No. 1.

After winning the girls’ singles title at the Australian Open in 2019 at age 16, Tauson experienced a tumultuous journey marked by injuries that compromised her ranking and progress. However, her recent performance in Dubai is a testament to her determination and talent, showcasing her potential to contend among the best in professional tennis.

Throughout the tournament, Tauson demonstrated remarkable resilience, highlighted by her victories over former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina and Czech rising star Linda Noskova. Tauson overcame a challenging quarterfinal match against Noskova after losing the first set, ultimately winning in a tiebreak.

“I was injured from quite a young age unfortunately, but I hopefully still have many years left on the tour,” Tauson expressed in a recent interview, emphasizing her motivation to continue pushing through adversities. “It’s a difficult thing to be at a high level and then get injured and then have to come back. I’m moving in the right direction and I work really hard, so it’s going to come off at some point.”

Entering her semifinal against Sabalenka, Tauson’s performance speaks volumes about her dedication. From a ranking of No. 140 in early 2022 due to a knee injury and subsequent back issues, she has clawed her way back up the rankings. Her first WTA title came in February 2021 when she won the tournament in Lyon.

This week’s challenges in Dubai mark an important milestone for Tauson, as she has established a new coaching dynamic with her partner, Kasper Elsvad, who has been instrumental in refining her game. “Working on my backhand has been a big focus of my pre-season,” Tauson explained. Elsvad’s influence on her training, emphasizing quality over quantity, has been pivotal in avoiding past injury issues.

Tauson also leads the WTA leaderboard in aces for the 2025 season, a result of her powerful serve and improving efficiency on the court. In her recent matches, she has consistently exceeded 70 percent in winning first-serve points, demonstrating marked progress.

“I love watching Rybakina and Sabalenka,” Tauson noted, referring to her admiration for fellow powerful players. “They’re kind of the same size as me height-wise and maybe doing some of the same stuff.”

The anticipation for her semifinal match on Friday is palpable as Tauson looks to continue her ascent in the rankings. If she wins, it would solidify her newfound standing among the sport’s elite—a journey that has taken years, perseverance, and strategic adjustment to reach this juncture.

“It’s important to stay patient,” said Tauson, echoing the sentiment many in the tennis world share about developing players. “The road to success is rarely a straight line, but through commitment and resilience, I believe I can reach my goals.”