Coco Gauff’s reign as US Open champion came to an abrupt end on Sunday as she was defeated by fellow American Emma Navarro in the fourth round. The reigning champion struggled throughout the match, committing a staggering 19 double faults and 60 unforced errors, ultimately falling 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. With Gauff’s exit, Serena Williams remains the only female player to have won the US Open since 2014.
Navarro, who had previously defeated Gauff at Wimbledon in July, dominated the match from the outset. She broke Gauff’s serve in the first set to take a 4-2 lead and closed out the set with a remarkable 27-shot rally in the ninth game. Navarro’s momentum continued into the second set, where she went up 4-3 before Gauff rallied to win the next three games and even the match. However, Gauff’s reprieve was short-lived as she committed three more double faults in the decider’s third game, handing Navarro a crucial break point.
Navarro, visibly thrilled with her victory, commented, “I lost in the first round the last two years and now to be making the quarter-finals is pretty insane. This is the city I was born in and it feels so special to be playing here. Coco 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.”
Gauff’s defeat adds to the string of upsets that have shaken up the US Open this year. Reigning champion Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the third round, marking his earliest exit from the tournament since 2006. Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 champion and current French Open and Wimbledon winner, was also surprisingly defeated in the second round.
In other US Open action, Paula Badosa advanced to her first US Open quarterfinal, defeating Wang Yafan of China 6-1, 6-2. Badosa, who was born in New York City, will now face Navarro for a spot in the semi-finals. The match was particularly challenging due to the humid conditions, with Badosa commenting, “It was so humid I thought I was going to die. I knew she was tough but I’m tougher.”
The US Open continues with its thrilling surprises and captivating matches as players battle for the coveted championship title.
