Tennis

Emma Navarro, the No. 13 seed, stunned defending champion Coco Gauff, the No. 3 seed, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, in the fourth round of the 2024 US Open. This marks Navarro's second consecutive major victory over Gauff, having previously defeated her at Wimbledon.Gauff, who had won her last 10 matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, struggled with her serve throughout the match, hitting 19 double faults. Navarro, on the other hand, played with composure and determination, capitalizing on Gauff's errors.In the first set, Navarro broke Gauff's serve in the opening game and held her own serve to take an early lead. Gauff saved a set point in the eighth game, but Navarro served out the set at love.Gauff fought back in the second set, breaking Navarro's serve in the seventh game and winning the next three games to force a deciding set. However, Navarro regained her composure in the third set, breaking Gauff's serve twice to take a 4-3 lead. Gauff continued to struggle with her serve, hitting two more double faults in the eighth game, which gave Navarro the opportunity to serve for the match.Navarro held her nerve and closed out the match with a strong return, advancing to the quarterfinals where she will face former world No. 2 Paula Badosa.Navarro's victory is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2024, winning her first WTA title in Hobart and reaching her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the National Bank Open. Her victory over Gauff is a major upset and a sign that she is a rising star in the tennis world.

Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro: A Rematch with StakesCoco Gauff and Emma Navarro, two rising American tennis stars, will face off in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash at the US Open. Their previous encounters have been a tale of two matches, with Gauff winning on hard courts in Auckland and Navarro triumphing on grass at Wimbledon.For Gauff, this match is a chance to avenge her Wimbledon loss. She acknowledges that Navarro has improved significantly since their last meeting and expects a tough battle. "I need to bring it and mentally be there from the beginning to the end," Gauff said.Navarro, on the other hand, is excited to showcase her skills on a grand stage like Arthur Ashe Stadium. "It's an experience that is something I could have never even dreamed of," she said.Despite their friendship, both players will put their bond aside for the duration of the match. Navarro's aggressive baseline play and anticipation of Gauff's shots proved effective at Wimbledon. Gauff, however, has been in solid form at the Open and will be motivated to avoid a second straight loss to a fellow American.Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud: A Clash of Power and PrecisionTop 15 players Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud will engage in a classic baseline battle in the fourth round. Fritz's powerful serve and strong groundstrokes will face off against Ruud's spinny forehand and consistent play.Fritz has been in impressive form, while Ruud has shown some vulnerability in his previous matches. However, Ruud's slightly higher ranking and experience may give him an edge. Fritz's home-crowd support and determination to succeed at the Open could be the deciding factors.Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin: A Battle of Friends and EntertainersAmerican Frances Tiafoe and Australian Alexei Popyrin will finally face off in a match that has been long anticipated. Despite their friendship, both players are known for their dynamic shot-making and entertaining celebrations.Popyrin's aggressive style could give him an early advantage, but Tiafoe's ability to rally the crowd and turn the match into a running battle could ultimately lead to his victory.

The US Open may still be weeks away, but the American women are already making their mark on the WTA circuit. At the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto, four US players have stormed into the quarterfinals, led by defending champion Jessica Pegula.Pegula, the No. 3 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from fellow American Ashlyn Krueger, winning 6-4, 6-2. Despite windy conditions and a combined 70 unforced errors, Pegula's experience and resilience proved too much for the 20-year-old qualifier.Joining Pegula in the last eight are Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, and Taylor Townsend. Anisimova, a former Roland Garros semifinalist, retired her opponent Anna Kalinskaya in the second set. Navarro, seeded No. 11, upset eighth-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 7-5, 7-5.Townsend, a last-minute replacement for Yulia Putintseva, made history by defeating former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-1. The left-hander, who won Wimbledon in doubles last month, had never reached a WTA quarterfinal in singles before this week.With No. 1 seed Coco Gauff and former NCAA champion Peyton Stearns still to play, as many as six Americans could make up the eight quarterfinalists. This would be a testament to the depth and talent of the US women's tennis.Townsend, who broke into the Top 50 in doubles after her Wimbledon triumph, is now on the cusp of achieving the same feat in singles. A win against Navarro in the quarterfinals would guarantee her a place among the world's top 50.The American quartet's success in Toronto is a positive sign for the US Open, which begins on August 29. With their confidence and momentum high, they will be among the favorites to challenge for the title in New York.

Emma Navarro's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end in Paris, but not without leaving a lasting impression. After a grueling three-hour battle, the American succumbed to China's Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set encounter. However, it was Navarro's post-match comments that stole the spotlight, as she unleashed a scathing attack on her opponent's "cut-throat" demeanor.Navarro's frustration boiled over at the net, where she confronted Zheng with a barrage of accusations. The American expressed her lack of respect for Zheng's on-court behavior, claiming it created a hostile atmosphere in the locker room. "I just told her I didn't respect her as a competitor," Navarro told AFP. "I think she goes about things in a pretty cut-throat way."Zheng, the No. 6 seed, remained composed in the face of Navarro's outburst. She acknowledged Navarro's concerns and expressed a willingness to improve her behavior. "She told me she doesn't know how I have a lot of fans," Zheng said. "It looks like she's not happy with my behavior towards her. If she's not happy about my behavior, she can come and tell me. I would like to correct it to become a better player and a better person."The incident has sparked a debate about sportsmanship and the boundaries of acceptable behavior on the court. Some have defended Zheng, arguing that her aggressive style of play is simply a reflection of her competitive nature. Others have sided with Navarro, condemning Zheng's alleged lack of respect for her opponents.Regardless of one's stance on the matter, it is clear that Navarro's comments have struck a chord. They have raised important questions about the role of sportsmanship in modern competition and the importance of maintaining a respectful environment for all athletes.

Emma Navarro, the 19th-seeded American, has stunned world No. 2 Coco Gauff in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) at Wimbledon, securing her first Grand Slam quarterfinal berth.Navarro, who is enjoying a breakthrough season, has already defeated former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka en route to her second consecutive Grand Slam second week. Against Gauff, she rallied from an early break down to triumph in one hour and 14 minutes on Centre Court.Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, had cruised through her draw in the first week, dropping only 10 games in three matches. However, Navarro proved too resilient, breaking Gauff twice to clinch the opening set.In the second set, Gauff's frustration grew as her forehand faltered, handing Navarro the opportunity to serve out the match. Despite saving two match points, Gauff succumbed to a final forehand error, resulting in a warm embrace with her childhood friend at the net.Navarro's victory was a testament to her steady play, as she committed only 16 unforced errors compared to Gauff's 25. The American is projected to make her Top 15 debut after Wimbledon and will next face No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, who advanced after Madison Keys retired due to a leg injury.

Wimbledon 2024: Previewing the Quarterfinal MatchupsThe Wimbledon quarterfinals are set to feature some thrilling matchups, with top seeds Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff facing off against rising stars Ben Shelton and Emma Navarro, respectively.Jannik Sinner vs. Ben SheltonShelton, despite losing twice to Sinner in the past, remains optimistic. He acknowledges the Italian's power but believes his own all-around ability can pose a challenge. However, Sinner's consistency and return game, as showcased in his victory over Matteo Berrettini, may prove too much for Shelton to overcome.Coco Gauff vs. Emma NavarroThis highly anticipated matchup pits the top-ranked American against the breakout star of 2024. Gauff, known for her athleticism and serve, will face a tough test in Navarro, who has impressed with her all-court game and recent victory over Naomi Osaka. Gauff's experience and physicality may give her the edge, but Navarro's versatility and rising form could make this a close encounter.Madison Keys vs. Jasmine PaoliniKeys and Paolini share similar aggressive styles, but Keys' height and powerful serve may prove decisive. Paolini, coming off a strong performance at Roland Garros, will need to find a way to neutralize Keys' serve and exploit her backhand.Predictions:* Jannik Sinner* Coco Gauff* Madison Keys

Emma Navarro's meteoric rise in professional tennis continues as she prepares to face Coco Gauff in the Wimbledon fourth round. The former NCAA champion has consistently exceeded expectations, showcasing her problem-solving abilities and unwavering determination.After a stunning victory over Naomi Osaka in her Centre Court debut, Navarro faced a formidable challenge in Diana Shnaider. Despite losing the first set, she rallied back with impressive resilience, ultimately securing a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. This comeback highlighted Navarro's ability to adapt and execute under pressure.Navarro's upcoming match against Gauff is a pivotal moment in her career. While she has previously defeated Aryna Sabalenka, the stakes are higher in this all-American clash. Navarro seeks her first Grand Slam quarterfinal berth, a testament to her hard work and belief in her abilities.Gauff, too, has her sights set on a Wimbledon milestone. Despite her previous victory over Navarro in Auckland, she acknowledges the threat posed by her compatriot. Navarro's all-court game and recent tournament performances have earned her respect.Navarro believes she has the potential to overcome Gauff, despite their previous encounter. She has practiced with Gauff this year and believes she has improved since their match in New Zealand.Navarro's journey to the top has been marked by her unwavering determination and ability to learn from her experiences. She has consistently proven that hard work and self-belief can overcome any obstacle. As she prepares to face Gauff, Navarro is confident in her abilities and ready to take the next step in her remarkable career.

Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday as she was comprehensively defeated by American qualifier Emma Navarro in the second round. The Japanese superstar, who was playing her first Wimbledon since 2019, was outplayed by the 17th-ranked Navarro, losing 6-4, 6-1 in just under an hour.The match started evenly, with both players holding serve until 3-3 in the first set. However, Navarro then broke Osaka's serve to love and went on to take the first set. The second set was even more one-sided, as Navarro broke Osaka twice to race into a 4-0 lead. Osaka managed to hold serve in the fifth game, but Navarro broke again in the sixth game to seal the match.Osaka's defeat was a major upset, as she is a four-time Grand Slam champion and was seeded 11th at Wimbledon. However, she has struggled for form since returning to the tour in January after giving birth to her daughter Shai last year. Her win over Diane Parry in the first round was her first at Wimbledon since 2018.Navarro, on the other hand, is enjoying a breakout season. The 20-year-old American reached the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year and has now reached the third round of Wimbledon for the first time. She will face Heather Watson of Great Britain in the next round.Osaka's defeat is a reminder that she is still finding her feet after her return from maternity leave. However, she has shown glimpses of her old form in recent weeks and will be hoping to build on her performance at Wimbledon in the upcoming tournaments.

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1, will face Emma Navarro, a rising star, in a captivating first-round clash at Wimbledon. Osaka, known for her powerful groundstrokes, will be tested by Navarro's versatility and court coverage. The match will hinge on Osaka's ability to control the pace and Navarro's capacity to disrupt her rhythm.In the marquee second-round encounter, Italian rivals Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini will battle for a place in the third round. Sinner, the current world No. 1, has dominated their previous meeting, but Berrettini, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021, will seek redemption on his favored surface. The key to the match will be the return of serve, with both players possessing formidable serves.Another intriguing first-round matchup features veterans Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka. Monfils, known for his acrobatic play, will face Wawrinka, a one-handed backhand specialist. Despite their age and injuries, both players remain capable of producing spectacular performances. The match promises to be a battle of experience and resilience.