Emma Navarro says what was ‘crazy’ about her run to the US Open semi-finals

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Emma Navarro may have been knocked out of the US Open, but she is leaving New York knowing that she has captured the hearts of her country.

The 23-year-old’s mesmerizing run saw her defeat defending champion Coco Gauff for the second time in as many months before coming unstuck by the world number two Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 in the semi-final.

There is no shame in suffering defeat to Sabalenka, who is widely viewed as the best hard-court player following her emphatic run to the Cincinnati title, and there are many positives to take from the American’s inspired US Open campaign.

It’s been a fortnight to savor for Navarro, who will see her soar inside the world’s top 10 for the first time following the tournament’s conclusion.

Emma Navarro reflects on incredible US Open run

Emma Navarro‘s red-hot rise throughout 2024 has not gone unnoticed, and it is culminating in a stellar finish to the season.

The American established a name for herself among the Wimbledon faithful with an epic run to the quarter-final, and she followed it up with a rousing performance in New York to reach the last four.

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Following defeat to the Sabalenka, the red-hot favorite for the title, Navarro reflected on her time spent playing in front of her native crowd at the final major of the year.

“It’s crazy to have come into this tournament almost two weeks ago – and I was joking with my team a little bit, and a little bit serious as well – saying I was looking to win one match at the US Open,” Navarro said.

“Now to be leaving having made a run to the semi-finals and now I am a top 10 player, it is pretty crazy and a testament to a lot of hard work, so definitely leaving with a lot of positives.”

Big things coming for Navarro

Navarro’s run in New York offers much promise of what can be expected from this rising star in the future.

She has enjoyed the most fruitful season of her blossoming career, claiming her maiden WTA title in Hobart, later backing it up on the biggest stages in the sport.

Navarro has been praised for her humility, and it is this trait that will be key to her future success. Not only is she calm and composed on the court, but she has the intelligent game to match.

In a year where a resurgence in American tennis has dominated the headlines, Navarro has been at the fore and there is no reason as to why this won’t continue in the years that follow.