Navarro Stuns Sabalenka, Gauff wins on birthday at Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS — Emma Navarro of the United States delivered a remarkable performance to defeat Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and secure her place in the Indian Wells ATP-WTA Masters quarter-finals on Wednesday (Thursday in PHL).

Coco Gauff also advanced smoothly on her 20th birthday.

Navarro, the world number 23, worked hard against Sabalenka on Stadium Court to earn her maiden victory over a top-five player with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 scoreline.

Celebrating her birthday, US Open champion Gauff, seeded third, showcased her prowess with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win against Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

Daniil Medvedev, last year’s men’s runner-up, contended with gusty conditions to earn a 6-4, 6-4 win over Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. Medvedev is on track for his first Indian Wells title, the only hardcourt ATP Masters he hasn’t won yet, remarking on the importance of consistency in his play.

Holger Rune overcame 2022 champion Taylor Fritz in a “crazy match,” according to Rune. After saving a match point, he excelled in the tiebreak to claim a 2-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 victory.

In the men’s draw, American Tommy Paul concluded Luca Nardi’s notable run, which included an upset over world number one Novak Djokovic, with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph. Casper Ruud also advanced, defeating Gael Monfils 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4.

Navarro’s upset over Sabalenka adds to her impressive season, which includes a WTA title in Hobart. “It’s definitely cool to be able to play an opponent like that and feel like I can hang and I can win,” Navarro reflected.

Sabalenka faced challenges in Indian Wells, following a title defense at the Australian Open and an early defeat in Dubai. In a match with alternating advantages, Navarro’s strategic breaks in the final set secured her victory, with 22 winners to Sabalenka’s 38, offset by fewer unforced errors.

Sabalenka, learning from her experience in the California desert, is looking to adjust and learn from this year’s matches.

Navarro now faces Greece’s ninth-ranked Maria Sakkari, while Gauff goes up against China’s Yuan Yue.

Other quarter-finals set for Thursday include Carlos Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner versus Jiri Lehecka, Iga Swiatek taking on Caroline Wozniacki, and Anastasia Potopova playing Marta Kostyuk. (AFP)