Coco Gauff shows disappointment during her match against Emma Navarro at Wimbledon 2024. © Twitter (@Reuters)
In a stunning turn of events at Wimbledon 2024, World number two Coco Gauff was ousted by American compatriot Emma Navarro in the fourth round. Navarro, ranked 19th, delivered an impeccable performance to secure a 6-4, 6-3 victory, marking her first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.
Gauff, who has had an impressive season reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open and French Open, failed to overcome Navarro’s aggressive play. This defeat continues Gauff’s struggle to advance past the last 16 at Wimbledon, a tournament where she first gained international attention as a 15-year-old in 2019.
“I think I played aggressively. Coco’s an amazing player, and I have a ton of respect for her,” said Navarro after the match.
Top Seeds Continue to Fall
Gauff’s exit followed the unexpected departure of world number one Iga Swiatek, who was knocked out in the third round. With only fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina and world number seven Jasmine Paolini remaining from the top 10 seeds, the women’s singles draw has opened up significantly.
Paolini will face Navarro in the quarter-finals, promising another thrilling match-up at the All England Club.
History Made by Lulu Sun
New Zealand’s Lulu Sun made headlines by becoming the first woman from her country to reach the last eight at Wimbledon. Sun overcame former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in a hard-fought three-set match, finishing 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. Sun’s relentless 52 winners proved too much for Raducanu, who took a medical time-out in the third set for ankle and back issues.
“It was a great match against Emma. I dug deep to get the win,” Sun commented.
Sun will next face Croatia’s Donna Vekic, who triumphed over Spain’s Paula Badosa with a 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 victory, thanks to her 33 winners.
Alcaraz and Sinner on Collision Course
World number three Carlos Alcaraz overcame a challenging match against French 16th seed Ugo Humbert to win 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5. Despite an erratic performance that saw him drop serve five times and commit 33 unforced errors, Alcaraz managed to secure his spot in the quarter-finals. The Spaniard is chasing his fourth Grand Slam title and aims to become just the sixth man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back.
“I will be there, fighting until the last ball,” declared Alcaraz.
Alcaraz will face American 12th seed Tommy Paul, who defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2.
Meanwhile, the top seed, Jannik Sinner, comfortably dispatched American 14th seed Ben Shelton with a 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (11/9) win. Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this year, will meet Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. Medvedev advanced after Grigor Dimitrov retired with a knee injury during their last-16 match.
Heartbreak for Madison Keys
American 12th seed Madison Keys faced a heartbreaking end to her Wimbledon campaign. She was forced to retire from her match against Jasmine Paolini due to a left leg injury. Keys was just one game away from reaching her third Wimbledon quarter-final, leading 5-2 in the decider before injury struck. Despite a valiant effort to continue, Keys withdrew, visibly distressed.
“I’m very sorry for her. It’s sad,” said Paolini, who had never won a grass-court match until two weeks ago. Paolini will now face Emma Navarro in the quarter-finals.
With the top seeds continuing to fall, the tournament promises more exciting and unpredictable matches. Fans eagerly await the potential semi-final clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, two of the most promising young talents in men’s tennis. Meanwhile, the women’s draw remains wide open, with new faces like Emma Navarro and Lulu Sun making their mark at Wimbledon.
Stay tuned to The Hd Sports for the latest updates and in-depth coverage of Wimbledon 2024.