American Emma Navarro showcased her resilience and skill on Tuesday at the US Open, as she overcame a 5-1 deficit in the second set to defeat Spain's Paula Badosa in straight sets, securing her spot in her first Grand Slam semifinal.
Navarro, the No. 13 seed, had previously caused a stir by upsetting defending champion Coco Gauff in the round of 16. In a remarkable display of determination, Navarro managed to win an impressive 24 of the last 28 points of the match to emerge victorious in straight sets.
Reflecting on her performance, Navarro expressed her confidence and strategic mindset during the crucial moments of the match. She mentioned, 'After I got back to 5-2, I had a little bit of an inkling it would be two sets... even if I did lose the second, I wanted to set the tone for the third set. I can't see the future, but maybe today I could a little bit.'
Navarro's achievement holds historical significance as she becomes only the third former women's college player in the past 40 years to reach a US Open semifinal. She follows in the footsteps of Lori McNeil from Oklahoma State in 1987 and Jennifer Brady from UCLA in 2020, marking a significant milestone in her career.
With her impressive performance and unwavering determination, Navarro has solidified her presence as a rising star in the world of tennis. Her journey at the US Open continues to captivate fans and inspire aspiring athletes around the globe.
ESPN Stats & Information contributed valuable insights to this report, shedding light on the remarkable achievements and milestones reached by Emma Navarro at the US Open.
