Who is Emma Navarro, the woman who beat defending champion Coco Gauff?

Emma Navarro’s stunning 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory over defending champion Coco Gauff at the US Open on Sunday has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. This win marks Navarro’s second consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

Who is Emma Navarro?

Emma Navarro is a 23-year-old American tennis player born in New York and raised in South Carolina. Her father, Ben, is a billionaire and the founder and CEO of Sherman Financial Group, who also owns the WTA Tour event in Charleston.

Navarro’s tennis career began at the University of Virginia, where she won an NCAA singles championship as a freshman in 2021.

Navarro has been on a meteoric rise in the tennis world, climbing from No. 143 at the end of 2022 to her current career-best No. 12 ranking. She has won 49 matches and lost 19 in 2024, including her first WTA title at Hobart, Australia, in January.

This breakthrough season has seen her make significant changes to her game, including taking more aggressive shots and showing greater confidence on the court.

What is Emma Navarro’s Grand Slam history?

The 2024 US Open is only Navarro’s eighth Grand Slam tournament, and her second consecutive quarterfinal appearance. She also defeated Gauff at Wimbledon in July, eliminating four-time major champion Naomi Osaka in the process. Before this year’s success, Navarro’s record in majors was 6-5, including 0-2 at the US Open.

What did Coco Gauff say about Emma Navarro?

Gauff praised Navarro for her impressive return game and ability to redirect her serve. She also credited Navarro with displaying the same variety of shots as in their Wimbledon match. The two players have become friends after being Olympic teammates for the United States at the Paris Games.

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