By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Photo credit: Garrett Ellwood/US Open/USTA
NEW YORK—Power baseliners lead the corps of US Open quarterfinalist.
Emma Navarro’s skill set is more subtle than that, says Paula Badosa.
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In a rare clash of New York City-born players, Navarro sped through six straight games, rallying from 1-5 down in the second set, to sweep Badosa 6-2, 7-5 and advance to her maiden major semifinal at the US Open.
One round after she dethroned defending champion Coco Gauff on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Navarro played with more clarity and calm conquering Badosa.
Afterward, Badosa cited two essential elements to Navarro’s success: competitive composure and a complete game.
“She’s a very complete player, first of all, and that’s very important when you go to a slam to put your emotions on the side,” Badosa said. “That’s maybe the thing that sometimes I don’t handle pretty well.
“She does that really well. Then she’s very talented. Very good backhand and very good forehand. She has variety in her game, so that’s really important, and she’s a great player. So congrats to her.”
Hobart champion Navarro will face either Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka or Olympic gold-medal champion Zheng Qinwen for a spot in Saturday afternoon’s US Open final.
