Defending champion Coco Gauff’s run at the US Open came to a surprising end on Sunday as she was defeated by 13th seed Emma Navarro, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, in a dramatic fourth-round match. The 2023 champion struggled throughout the match with her serve and forehand, committing 19 double faults, which ultimately undermined her efforts.
Gauff displayed resilience and grit by forcing a third set, but Navarro, her fellow American, held her nerve to secure a memorable victory in New York.
Navarro, who has now advanced to the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the second time in her career, and the first time at the US Open, set the tone early by dominating the first set. She played with confidence and aggression, making the most of Gauff’s serving issues to build a strong lead. In the second set, Navarro continued to apply pressure, breaking Gauff’s serve to go 4-3 ahead with a service game to come.
However, as the match wore on, the tension increased. Navarro, who had been in control for most of the match, showed signs of nerves. Gauff capitalized on this, rallying to win three consecutive games and taking the contest into a deciding third set. Despite the setback, Navarro managed to regain her composure. In the final set, Gauff’s serve faltered once again, allowing Navarro to break twice and seal the win in an impressive display of determination and skill.
After her victory, Navarro expressed her joy and disbelief at reaching the quarter-finals, particularly given her struggles at the US Open in the past. “I lost in the first round the last two years, and now to be making the quarter-finals is pretty insane,” she said in a courtside interview. “This is the city I was born in, and it feels so special to be playing here.”
Navarro also paid tribute to her opponent, Gauff, recognizing her talent and potential to bounce back stronger. “Coco Gauff is an amazing player, I have a ton of respect for her, and I know she’s going to come back here and win this thing again one year. It was tough losing the second set; I had chances at 30-0 at 4-3 but had a lull. I was able to regroup and come into the third set with a fresh mindset. I wanted to play aggressive tennis, and I think I was able to do that,” Navarro reflected.
The 22-year-old Navarro now moves on to face 26th seed Paula Badosa in the quarter-finals. Badosa, a former top-five player from Spain, secured her spot in the last eight by defeating China’s Yafan Wang with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory. The match, held at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, saw Badosa deliver a clinical performance, going 8-for-8 in saving break points and 4-for-5 in converting her own break point opportunities. She wrapped up the match in just one hour and 22 minutes.
Badosa’s win was a remarkable turnaround, given that she had considered retiring from tennis earlier this year due to a stress fracture in her back. At just 26, Badosa has faced numerous challenges throughout her career, but her resilience has been evident in her recent performances. “I never imagined I’d be back here, let alone in the quarter-finals,” Badosa shared after her match. “I’ve had some tough moments this year, but being on this stage again makes everything worth it.”
As Navarro prepares for her next challenge against Badosa, the spotlight is also on Gauff, whose title defense ended earlier than expected. The 19-year-old sensation, who became the youngest American to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999, had been a favorite to retain her crown. Despite the loss, Gauff remained positive and focused on her growth as a player. “It’s tough to lose, but I learned a lot today,” Gauff admitted in her post-match press conference. “I’ll take these lessons and come back stronger. It’s part of the journey.”
Gauff’s journey at this year’s US Open, though cut short, was not without its highlights. She demonstrated her powerful baseline game and tenacity, characteristics that have made her a fan favorite and a rising star in the tennis world. Her third-round victory over Daria Kasatkina, where she displayed a blend of power and finesse, had fans and pundits alike touting her as a potential champion again this year.
Meanwhile, Navarro’s unexpected triumph over the defending champion has added to her growing reputation as a dangerous competitor on the big stage. The New Yorker, who previously reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam at the French Open, is now looking to make a deeper run on home soil. “I feel like I belong here,” Navarro said confidently. “Playing in front of this crowd gives me so much energy, and I’m just trying to take it one match at a time.”
As the tournament progresses, both Navarro and Badosa represent compelling stories of perseverance and ambition. Navarro’s youthful exuberance and newfound confidence will be tested against Badosa’s experience and tactical acumen. For fans, the quarter-final clash promises to be a captivating encounter, with both players eager to make their mark.
With Gauff’s exit, the US Open remains wide open, and Navarro’s dream run continues to capture the imagination of tennis enthusiasts. As she takes the court against Badosa, all eyes will be on whether Navarro can continue her impressive journey or if Badosa’s experience will prevail in the battle for a semi-final spot.
