Emma Navarro Surges Past Paula Badosa to Secure Maiden Grand Slam Semi-Final at US Open 2024
Emma Navarro defeated Paula Badosa in straight sets to advance to her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open in an incredible display of skill.
The thirteenth-ranked American overcame a stunning collapse by her Spanish opponent, displaying remarkable talent and perseverance.
Emma Navarro’s opponent in the final will be either Olympic winner Zheng Qinwen or Aryna Sabalenka, who is rated second.
After falling behind 5-1 in the second set, the 13th-ranked American, who had defeated the reigning champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, won 6-2, 7-5. To advance to the final, she will compete either Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen or second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka.
“I knew I would win in two sets when I was up to 5-2,” Navarro, who had lost in the opening round of her last two tournament outings, said.
“It’s the semi-finals, honey. I’m all set to go!”
With breaks in the second and eighth games, Navarro, 23, easily defeated Badosa in a tough first set that lasted 29 minutes. Her opponent committed just five unforced errors to Navarro’s meager total of 16.
The 26-year-old Spaniard, who was born in New York, fought back, quickly building a 5-1 lead in the second set. However, her game unraveled, as Navarro won the final six games of the match.
Three months prior, Badosa was on the verge of retirement because of a back problem, and he made 35 unintentional mistakes by the end of the semi-final. Navarro only possessed fifteen.
Intriguing matchup if Zheng wins against Sabalenka in her quarterfinal later on Tuesday, given that Navarro publicly criticized the Chinese star after her Olympic loss.
Zheng was charged by Navarro with being a “cut-throat” and having a “lack of respect”.
“They are both powerful players. “They’ll pursue me, but I’ll be prepared,” the American remarked.
