New York, Sept 4: Emma Navarro advanced to her first Grand Slam semifinal by defeating Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5 in the U.S. Open quarterfinals on Tuesday.
In a match between two players born in New York, Navarro, who previously eliminated defending champion Coco Gauff, delivered a decisive performance by winning the last six games of the second set to secure the win in just 72 minutes.
Navarro started strong, quickly breaking Badosa’s serve to lead 3-0 in the first set. She used her powerful forehand effectively and saved the two break points she faced to take the set with ease.
In the second set, Badosa took control, establishing a 4-1 lead with two breaks. She seemed set to force a third set after holding serve to lead 5-1, but Navarro mounted a remarkable comeback. Badosa failed to serve out the set twice, and Navarro capitalized, winning four consecutive games and closing the match with her fifth break.
Navarro, who had never progressed beyond the second round in previous Grand Slams, has made significant strides this year. She has reached the third round or further in all four Grand Slam events, including a fourth-round finish at Roland Garros and a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon.
Navarro’s next opponent will be either Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time reigning Australian Open champion and second seed, or Zheng Qinwen, the Olympic champion and seventh seed.