Emma Navarro won hearts and headlines at the US Open as she secured her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final spot with a straight-sets victory over.
Paula Badosa, 6-2, 7-5. Navarro’s emotional post-match interview resonated with many as she took a moment to thank her father for his unwavering support throughout her tennis journey.
Navarro, during her on-court interview after the quarter-final win against Badosa, expressed her gratitude for his encouragement, crediting him for not letting her settle into a typical 9-5 job—a path she believes she would never have excelled in. Navarro’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She swept through the first set in just 29 minutes, breaking Badosa’s serve in the second and eighth games.
“I wanna also thank my dad. I think he saw a vision from the time I was really young. He knew maybe I was a bit ADHD or something to be a sitting in a class room or a 9 to 5. He saw something in me from a young age. So thanks dad for sending me on this journey,” Navarro said.
The Spaniard, considered one of the top contenders at the US Open, struggled with a tense start, committing 16 unforced errors compared to Navarro’s mere five. The 23-year-old Navrro was in control, showcasing her power shots and swift court movement.
The second set initially seemed to be going Badosa’s way as she raced to a 5-1 lead. However, Navarro’s resilience and athleticism shone through as she fought back, winning the last six games to seal the match. Badosa’s challenge dramatically collapsed under Navarro’s relentless pressure, turning what seemed like a lost set into a victory.
Navarro’s journey to the semi-finals marks a significant milestone in her career, and her heartfelt thanks to her father added a touching personal layer to her triumph. Navarro will now be gearing up for her highly anticipated semi-final clash against Aryna Sabalenka on Friday, September 6.