US Open 2024 results: Coco Gauff’s title defence ended by Emma Navarro in fourth round
Navarro got off to the better start, earning a break point in the opening game after two double faults from Gauff, signaling things to come.
Gauff recovered to stay level, but a couple of misses at 3-2 gave Navarro another break chance, and Gauff was forced to concede another double fault.
As Navarro took the set, confident of holding her own after winning the match in 27 strokes, Gauff appeared frustrated, shrugging and talking to her coaching team.
Double faults continued to plague Gauff in the second set. Another fault at 3-3 gave Navarro a break, and she capitalized with a great forehand down the line.
But this signaled a change in momentum as Navarro suddenly struggled to keep pace and Gauff immediately broke free.
With the crowd’s support, Gauff confidently held serve before breaking again to win the match, raising her hands to her ears in celebration and asking the crowd to cheer even more.
With the match in the balance, it was the 20-year-old’s serving woes that once again made the difference as he made three double faults in just one game, helping Navarro win and take a 2-1 lead.
Gauff’s remaining service games were filled with errors, with three double faults helping Navarro claim the deciding point, before a long forehand confirmed Navarro’s victory.
“I fought really hard today. I just didn’t pay attention to my serve, that was the biggest difference,” Gauff said.
“Mentally and emotionally, I gave it my all. Of course, there are things on the performance side that I wish I could have served better.
“I think if I did that, things would be different for me in the game.”