Defending champion Coco Gauff loses to Emma Navarro at US Open

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Coco Gauff’s hopes of winning back-to-back US Open titles have been dashed after she was knocked out in the fourth round.

Gauff was aiming to become the first woman to retain her title at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams in 2014, but lost 6-2 4-6 6-3 to Olympic teammate Emma Navarro.

Navarro plays in her hometown and looks a serious contender for her first Grand Slam title, having defeated her opponent for the second time in a row in a Grand Slam.

Gauff was out of focus for most of the tournament and crashed at the first sign of real competition.

It didn’t help that her serve was missing in the match, as the 2023 champion hit 19 double faults and made 60 unforced errors.

Navarro said: “It’s pretty crazy. I’ve lost in the first round the last two years and now to get to the quarter-finals is pretty crazy.

“This is the city where I was born and it feels so special to play here.

“Coco is a great player, I have a lot of respect for her and I know she will come back here and win this again.”

Navarro will now play Paula Badosa in the last eight.