Coco Gauff’s US Open title defence ended as Emma Navarro defeated her in the fourth round in New York. In a disjointed performance, third seed Gauff lost 6-3 4-6 6-3 to 13th seed compatriot Navarro.
Gauff committed 19 double faults, including 11 in the third set alone, ultimately handing Navarro victory with three double faults in the final game of the match.
Navarro acknowledged the significance of reaching the quarter-finals, especially as she was born in New York, adding that it felt special to play there.
Despite acknowledging the need to maintain focus after their previous meeting, Gauff’s vulnerabilities on serve, including three consecutive double faults in the third set and 60 unforced errors, helped Navarro secure her spot in the Flushing Meadows quarter-finals for the first time.
Navarro will face 26th seed Paula Badosa in the quarter-finals after Badosa defeated China’s Wang Yafan with a score of 6-1 6-2 earlier on Sunday.
Navarro’s win ends Gauff’s attempt to become the first woman to defend the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.
At 23, Navarro becomes the youngest American woman to reach the quarter-finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year since Williams in 2004.
Navarro made a strong start, earning a breakpoint in the opening game after Gauff’s two double faults, setting the tone for the match. Despite initial setbacks, Gauff managed to hold and maintain composure, but Navarro’s consistent play earned her the first set.
Gauff encountered more challenges in the second set, including double faults, but managed to break back and force a decider.
Navarro’s advantage on serve, including three double faults by Gauff in a single game in a closely contested match, granted her the lead and, ultimately, the win.
Navarro’s victory propels her into the top 10 ranking in the world.
Having achieved her first WTA Tour semi-final in 2023 and winning her maiden title in Hobart in January, Navarro has reached consecutive Grand Slam quarter-finals following her loss at the same stage at Wimbledon in July.
