Emma Navarro has stunned the tennis world for the second time in as many months, once again knocking Coco Gauff out of a Grand Slam.
First enjoying her best-ever run at Wimbledon, dumping out her compatriot on the way to the quarter-finals in SW19, once again she has repeated that feat in New York.
And although there has been an inquest into the 20-year-old, with Nick Kyrgios even offering to coach Gauff after her serve faltered, credit must be given to Emma Navarro.
Coco Gauff given advice for the rest of 2024
Speaking on the Tennis Channel, the four panellists gathered to discuss Coco Gauff‘s shock defeat to Navarro.
And, with journalist Jon Wertheim kickstarting the conversation, he actually revealed what one ‘high-level player’ told him about the former, offering her a crucial piece of advice.
He noted: ‘I had one former player, high-level player, say to me listen, if I was her I’d take off the rest of the season and just work out that serve.
‘The problem with the double fault, it’s not just the points you’re giving away, but the momentum and the message it’s sending to the opponent mentally. 11 doubles faults in a decisive set, three in the last game, it’s really problematic.
‘I credit her for fighting through. She need only look at Sabalenka to know this is a solvable problem. I would say this is a crisis. That was really hard to watch. I can’t imagine what it was like to go through.’
Emma Navarro is enjoying the season of her life
Whilst the aftermath of Gauff’s exit has naturally focused on her continued poor form, it feels like plenty are now glossing over Navarro’s excellence and the way in which she went about claiming another fine result.
It marks but a continuation of her remarkable form, which has seen her break her own personal records for fun.
Having won her first WTA title in January, already the year was off to a good start, but she would only go from strength to strength.
She even reached the quarter-finals in Indian Wells by defeating Aryna Sabalenka, a feat which she will likely have to accomplish if she is to continue her fine run in New York.
And, having overcome Gauff again at the US Open just months after she beat her at Wimbledon as well, there’s no reason why she can’t take the next natural step up and enjoy a career-best Grand Slam performance.
She’s already levelled it, and with a win over Paula Badosa, would achieve her greatest feat by progressing into the semi-finals.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
