Coco Gauff’s US Open title defence came to an end in a hard-fought match against fellow American Emma Navarro, losing in a 6-3 4-6 6-3 defeat on Sunday. Gauff, the reigning women’s champion, was unable to advance to the quarterfinals. Navarro delivered an aggressive performance, causing Gauff to make 19 double faults and 60 unforced errors throughout the match. Despite a strong effort to fight back after losing the first set, Gauff’s Grand Slam title defence came to a disappointing end.
In the men’s event, Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe secured their spots in the quarterfinals. With the early exit of Novak Djokovic, the bottom half of the draw was left wide open for these players to advance. Zverev, a four-time Grand Slam finalist, came back from a set down to defeat Brandon Nakashima. He expressed his motivation to achieve his dreams and goals, aiming for his first major title. Fritz and Tiafoe also progressed to the quarterfinals, hoping to end America’s 21-year wait for a homegrown men’s champion.
Elsewhere, Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s second seed, advanced to the quarterfinals with a convincing victory over Elise Mertens. Sabalenka showcased her impressive form, relying on her booming first serve and powerful forehand to secure her place in the next round. She expressed her enjoyment of playing at the US Open and the support she receives from the crowd. Sabalenka will face the winner of the match between Zheng Qinwen and Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals.
Navarro, after her victory over Gauff, will face Spain’s Paula Badosa in the next round. Badosa defeated Wang Yafan to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in New York. With exciting matches and unexpected results, the US Open continues to showcase the talent and determination of the world’s top tennis players. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the tournament progresses, with players vying for a coveted Grand Slam title. Stay tuned for more updates and action from Flushing Meadows.
