AMERICAN Emma Navarro moved into the first Grand Slam semi-final of her career by beating Paula Badosa in straight sets at the US Open.

Navarro, 23, was cheered on by the majority of fans in the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday, with Spain’s Badosa struggling to cope in the partisan atmosphere as she lost 6-2 7-5.
Badosa produced two double-faults in her first service game to help Navarro take an early advantage, and also gifted two more double-faults in the eighth game as the American eased into the opening set.
However, Badosa, 26, fought back and looked in control at 5-1 – and a double-break – up in the second set.
She twice served for the set, but, at times looking on the verge of tears, the 26th Seed’s game fell apart, with Navarro clinching six games in a row to progress.
In her post-match interview, Navarro, who was born in New York, thanked her family for their support, and helping her become a professional.
She said: “I also want to say ‘thanks’ to my dad, because he saw a vision from when I was really young.
“He knew maybe I was a little bit ADHD or something to be sat in a classroom or in a 9-5, and I think he saw something in me from a young age. Thanks dad, for sending me on this journey.”
Navarro had only won one match at the main stage of a Grand Slam before this year, but has gotten better and better throughout her breakout year of 2024.