Navarro uses the weak phase to reach the semifinals at the US Open

Emma Navarro is the first player to reach the semifinals at the US Open, fuelling American fans’ hopes of a surprise home victory. The 23-year-old beat Spaniard Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5 and is among the top four at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her tennis career.

Badosa’s game completely collapsed in the second set. The 26-year-old was already 5-1 ahead, but then nothing followed. Navarro won the last six games of the match in a row. “When I made it 2-5, I had a feeling it would be two sets,” said the New York native. “It’s crazy that I’m in the semifinals.” US Open, baby.”

Navarro had already surprisingly defeated defending champion Coco Gauff. The 12th ranked player in the world will now face the winner of the party between Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus and Chinese Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng.