US Open 2024 live updates: Emma Navarro reaches first major semifinal, Taylor Fritz in action against Alexander Zverev

Despite trailing early in the second set, Navarro is now just one set away from the US Open semifinals.

Badosa made 16 “unforced” errors in that set, and some of them were bad misses. A mid-court forehand straight into the net when she was on break point was particularly unwelcome. But Navarro’s rock-solid groundstrokes have smothered opponents all tournament, and with her ability to lean into a ball when she really wants to, Badosa will have to be both on her toes and willing to grind.

In rallies of nine shots or more in that first set, Navarro led 6-2 but also won short points, 19-14. A nonchalant baseline drop shot to go up 5-2 after she had saved two break points in that game was just a reminder that she has the finesse and fluidity to go with the iron-clad technique.