Emma Navarro in US Open semifinals after Paula Badosa defeat

Emma Navarro reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open on Tuesday, beating Paula Badosa in straight sets, whose challenge ended in dramatic fashion. The 13th-ranked American, who defeated defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, came back from 5-1 down in the second set to win 6-2, 7-5. She will face either second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka or Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen for a place in the final.

“When I got up 5-2, I thought I was going to win in two sets,” said Navarro, who lost in the first round in her two other matches in the tournament. “Semifinals baby. I’m ready to explode.”

Navarro, 23, won the 29-minute first set with breaks in the second and eighth games, while a tense Badosa was hit with 16 unforced errors to her opponent’s mere five. The 26-year-old New York-born Spaniard fought back and took a 5-1 lead in the second game, but Navarro won the last six games of the match.

Badosa, who was on the verge of retirement with a back injury just three months ago, made 35 unforced errors in the semifinals. Navarro had just 15. If Zheng beats Sabalenka in their quarterfinal on Tuesday, it will be an intriguing contest, as Navarro lashed out at the Chinese star after her Olympic loss.

Navarro accused Zheng of being “rude” and showing a “lack of respect.” “They are both big hitters. They will come after me, but I will be ready,” the American said.