Navarro Races Past Badosa To Reach U.S. Open Semifinal

Emma Navarro surged into the first major semifinal of her career as she defeated 26th seed Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5 in the first U.S. Open quarterfinal at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens on Tuesday.

Trailing 1-5 in the second set, the New York City-native Navarro rattled off the final six games against the New York City-born Badosa to end the match in one hour and 12 minutes, and reach the final four at a Grand Slam for the first time.

“After I got her back to 5-2, I had a little bit of an inkling that it would be two sets,” said Navarro. “I just wanted to stay really tough. Even if I did lose the second set, I wanted to set the tone for the third set. I always say I can’t see the future, but maybe today I could a little bit. I just felt like maybe I could win this in two sets.”

The 13th seeded Navarro was in form early on, breaking in Badosa’s opening game and adding to it with another early break to build the quick 3-0 advantage in the first set. Soon, she had a one-set lead and was one away from the semifinals.

But Badosa looked to force a decider as she built a commanding second set lead with multiple opportunities to serve it out. After Navarro held for 2-5, Badosa was broken as Navarro reverted back to her all-court game to put the pressure on the Spaniard.

While she attempted to serve it out, again, at 5-4, she threw in a couple of double faults which opened the door for Navarro to break.

“I think sometimes you’re out in the court, and you can kind of picture yourself playing a third set. When I was out there, I didn’t picture myself playing a third set. I felt like I could come back and do it in two.”

The win ensures Navarro a Top 10 debut when the new WTA Rankings are released next week.

Standing in her way of the championship is second-seed Aryna Sabalenka, who took down seventh-seed Qinwen Zheng in a rematch of the Australian Open final earlier this year. Sabalenka was clinical in a 6-1, 6-2 rout on Tuesday night.

Sabalenka and Navarro split their two matches against each other which both took place this year, a win by Navarro in Indian Wells and a Sabalenka triumph at Roland Garros.

“Last two matches we played was really tough, tough matches physically and mentally,” Sabalenka said looking ahead to Navarro. “Even though I won the last one in two sets, it wasn’t that easy match, and it was very intense match. I’m really looking for another great battle against her.”