New York
Emma Navarro eliminated home favorite Coco Gauff in the Round of 16 at the US Open with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory. This win secured Navarro a spot in her second consecutive major quarterfinal, ending Gauff’s title defense and 11-match win streak in New York.
Navarro, who previously defeated Gauff in straight sets at Wimbledon, has now proven her earlier success was no fluke. Starting the year ranked 31st, Navarro is now on the cusp of breaking into the WTA top 10. Reflecting on her career progression since leaving college, Navarro noted, when I first left college, my coach and I set a two-year commitment to professional tennis. I think I hit that mark this June, and we didn’t even acknowledge it. I’ve definitely surpassed my expectations.
Gauff’s performance faltered with 19 double faults and 60 unforced errors, giving Navarro the upper hand. Navarro described the match as a battle of will, adding, I played really tough tennis. Both of us faced struggles, but I’m proud of my effort.
Navarro will now face Paula Badosa for a spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Zheng Qinwen, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalist and world number seven, advanced to the quarterfinals after a 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-2 win over Donna Vekic. Zheng will meet Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of this year’s Australian Open final.
