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 the town I used to be born in and it feels so particular to be enjoying right here. Coco is a tremendous participant and I’ve a ton of respect for her. I do know she goes to return 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 received the title at Flushing Meadows in 2023, however she has been struggling together with her forehand and serve throughout this yr’s event. These struggles had 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 recreation and recommended, “Do not suppose, simply do,” and regardless of Gauff not having the ability to hear the recommendation, it looks as if that is what she began doing.
Gauff discovered a greater rhythm within the second set. She was nonetheless making plenty of unforced errors, however she tied issues up at 4-4 and used that momentum to get the group cheering louder for her. Navarro was making extra unforced errors on this set, and Gauff finally earned a 3rd set.
Gauff received the primary recreation, however simply when it appeared she was taking management, Navarro fought again and acquired the job completed. 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.
