No. 13 Emma Navarro upset No. 3 Coco Gauff 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 within the US Open Spherical of 16 on Sunday. This was a continuation of Navarro’s breakout season.
“its fairly insane,” Navarro mentioned after her win. “I misplaced within the first around the final two years, now to be making quarterfinals is fairly insane. That is town I used to be born in and it feels so particular to be taking part in right here. Coco is a tremendous participant and I’ve a ton of respect for her. I do know she goes to come back again right here and win this factor once more one yr.”
The 23-year-old reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon earlier this yr, and she or he earned that ticket by additionally taking down Gauff within the Spherical of 16.
Gauff gained the title at Flushing Meadows in 2023, however she has been struggling along with her forehand and serve throughout this yr’s match. These struggles have been fairly seen early within the all-American match on Sunday.
The 20-year-old misplaced the primary set with 5 double faults and 21 unforced errors. Whereas that was occurring, tennis legend Serena Williams was at Asher Ashe Stadium giving an interview for ESPN. The 23-time Grand Slam champion was discussing Gauff’s sport and urged, “Do not assume, simply do,” and regardless of Gauff not with the ability to hear the recommendation, it looks like that is what she began doing.
Gauff discovered a greater rhythm within the second set. She was nonetheless making lots of unforced errors, however she tied issues up at 4-4 and used that momentum to get the gang cheering louder for her. Navarro was making extra unforced errors on this set, and Gauff finally earned a 3rd set.
Gauff gained the primary sport, however simply when it appeared she was taking management, Navarro fought again and received the job achieved. Gauff additionally continued to reward her opponent free factors with 11 double faults, greater than her first two units mixed. She completed the match with 59 unforced errors, whereas Navarro had 35.
Up subsequent, Navarro will face No. 26 seed Paula Badosa in Tuesday’s quarterfinal spherical.
