Quarter-final
Emma Navarro 21/20 | Paula Badosa 72/100
This promises to be an exhilarating clash between two in-form players. Emma Navarro outlasted compatriot and defending US Open champion Coco Gauff in three sets to reach her 2nd consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal (she also beat Gauff at SW19).
Navarro had to remain patient against a visibly frustrated Gauff (the defending champ hit a stunning 60 unforced errors in the match). But the versatile Navarro mixed up her game nicely and forced Gauff into reckless play.
That victory improved the billionaire heiress’ brilliant 2024 record to 49-19. She won her maiden title in Hobart and she came into the US Open in excellent hardcourt form, reaching the semifinals in Toronto and Monterrey.
Navarro doesn’t possess the raw power of Swiatek or Sabalenka. But she does know how to mix up her game, employing plenty of topspin on that forehand wing. She has a really graceful backhand slice and she has used the drop-shot really effectively this past week.
Paula Badosa has reached her 2nd career Grand Slam quarterfinal, beating Wang Yafan 6-1, 6-2 in absolutely stultifying New York humidity.
The scoreline was deceiving as the first three games lasted an incredible 22 minutes. Badosa saved eight break points in the match and just had too much aggression when it really mattered. This has been a wonderful period of renaissance for the 26-year-old Spanish baseliner.
Badosa nearly retired after all her recent back pain but the cortisone treatment seems to be working for her. The win over Wang improved her post-Wimbledon record to 14-2.
She won in Washington and reached the semifinals in Cincinnati. She is hitting some really meaty groundstrokes and it will be interesting to see how she fares against the crafty Navarro.
The Verdict: Badosa to win in straight sets 31/20
Badosa won their only previous meeting, beating the American in three sets at this year’s Italian Open (back when she was still in a considerable amount of pain). The Spanish star really looks like she is on a mission this fortnight.
She was clinical against Wang, hitting 26 winners in atrociously hot conditions. Badosa is probably playing the most complete tennis of her entire career. She will force the pace, and she won’t commit as many errors as Gauff did against Navarro.