Emma Navarro didn't make a convincing start against Wang Yafan but managed to overcome early struggles and beat the world No. 170 in two sets 7-6 (9) 6-3 to reach the US Open second round.
After losing three matches in a row before arriving in New York, it was clear the Navarro's form wasn't where it needed to be. And early in the match, the American tennis star struggled a lot – she was three times down by a break – even faced a set point in the 10th game – but somehow managed to force a tie-break. There, the No. 10 seed faced two more set points before converting her fourth set point to win a grueling opener.
Navarro stealing the first set from Wang turned out to be the game-changer as the 2024 US Open semifinalist registered two breaks in the second set to routinely close out the match.
In the US Open second round, the No. 10 seed faced fellow American Caty McNally.
Navarro admitted it was tough for her out there
“It was really tough. A lot of ups and downs. Definitely didn’t play my best tennis. Faced a couple of set points there in the first set and just told myself I got to be tough, I got to keep pushing, I got to keep fighting," the 2024 US Open semifinalist admitted in her on-court interview.
For Navarro, it was her first win since she beat Rebecca Marino in Washington, in late August.
"Just my ability to stick in there and trust myself and trust the work I do along with my team and trusting their opinion and advice. I have to remind myself to look over there a lot because sometimes I get my blinders on a little bit… With you guys’ help I was able to (win), so thanks for sticking with me through the ups and downs," the home star added.
