Emma Navarro stuns Aryna Sabalenka to reach Indian Wells quarters

Field Level Media|published: Wed 13th March, 17:09 2024

Emma Navarro returns to Elina Svitolina during their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., on Monday, March 11, 2024. credits: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rising American Emma Navarro recorded the biggest victory of her career on Wednesday as she took down No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Calif.

Navarro converted 4 of 5 break opportunities while stunning Belarus' Sabalenka, the world No. 2 who won the Australian Open for the second straight year in January. It was the 23rd-ranked Navarro's first career win over a Top 5 player.

Navarro, 22, was the stronger player in the third set but said she wasn't as cool on the inside as she looks on the outside.

"There were definitely some emotions going on that I don't necessarily show," Navarro said on the Tennis Channel. "I'm feeling all the feels, I just like to keep it to myself.

"That's how I've always naturally been ... I think it serves me well out there."

The victory will propel Navarro into the Top 20 for the first time in her young career. She also is 18-5 in singles matches this season, including winning the Hobart International in January for her first career title.

Navarro had 22 winners against 14 unforced errors, while Sabalenka committed 34 unforced errors while hitting 38 winners.

"I was able to stay aggressive on returns even thought she has a really good serve," Navarro said. "... Just was able to put a lot of pressure on her and that's what made the difference."

Navarro turned pro in 2022. She won the NCAA singles title in 2021 for Virginia, the same school that produced two-time NCAA singles champion Danielle Collins (2014, 2016).

—Field Level Media

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