Defending champion Coco Gauff was knocked out of the U.S. Open in the fourth round on Sunday, losing to fellow American Emma Navarro with scores of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Gauff struggled with her serve throughout the match, committing 19 double-faults, which overshadowed her 14 winners. This performance follows a series of early exits in recent tournaments, including the Paris Olympics.
Despite the setback, Gauff remained reflective, acknowledging that many players would be pleased with reaching the fourth round or competing in the Olympics. Navarro, the 13th seed and 2021 NCAA singles champion, showed impressive composure, particularly during a critical second set where Gauff had a four-game streak before Navarro regained control.
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This defeat means that the U.S. Open will see a new women’s champion, continuing the trend of no back-to-back winners since Serena Williams achieved consecutive titles from 2012 to 2014. Novak Djokovic, the defending men’s champion, also faced an early exit earlier in the tournament, marking another year without consecutive champions in New York.
In other action, Frances Tiafoe advanced to his third consecutive quarterfinal with a win over Alexei Popyrin, and Taylor Fritz defeated Casper Ruud to progress further. Navarro will next face No. 26 seed Paula Badosa, while Aryna Sabalenka will play Zheng Qinwen in the women’s quarterfinals.
Gauff remains hopeful and determined to bounce back from this setback, with her future performances eagerly anticipated.