Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Karolina Muchova’s US Open campaign came to an end in the third round as Emma Navarro continued her impressive run at Flushing Meadows with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over the Czech on Friday. Muchova, the world No. 7 and a two-time US Open semifinalist, was the highest-ranked player to exit the women’s singles draw before the second week. The defeat came just weeks after she reached the Wimbledon final, following which she spent time away from competition after undergoing minor surgery.
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Navarro, seeded 26th, produced a composed performance from the back of the court, repeatedly soaking up Muchova’s power and forcing the Czech into errors. The American also made the most of Muchova’s struggles, with the former semifinalist finishing the contest with just 18 winners against 32 unforced errors.
Muchova had opportunities to change the course of the match after losing the opening set, but Navarro remained largely in control. The American broke in the seventh game before Muchova responded, only for another loose forehand from the Czech to hand Navarro a crucial break late in the set.
The second set proved more competitive, with both players exchanging breaks as Muchova looked to find a way back into the contest. However, Navarro held her nerve when it mattered most, earning a break in the 11th game after three opportunities before serving out the match.
The victory marked Navarro’s third win over a top-10 player this season and sent her into the last 16 at her home Grand Slam. She also reached the US Open semifinals in 2024, establishing herself as one of the tournament’s breakout performers.
Navarro, who has developed a strong following on the outer courts and has played each of her last six matches at the Grandstand, celebrated emphatically after sealing the win with a powerful forehand.
She will face either Elina Svitolina or Anna Kalinskaya in the fourth round.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
