LONDON — Emma Navarro showcased her tenacity and grit on Saturday at Wimbledon, overcoming defending champion Barbora Krejcikova in a surprising third-round finish. The match concluded with scores of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, sending Krejcikova home feeling unwell and marking another upset in a tournament known for its unexpected results. With this victory, the 10th-seeded Navarro continues a trend of first-time champions at the prestigious grass-court event.
Navarro, who has established herself as a fighter on the court, attributed her success to her relentless determination. “I take pride in being tough and fighting until the very last point,” she said. The 24-year-old athlete, originally from New York and raised in South Carolina, gained national attention after winning the 2021 NCAA championship with the University of Virginia.
In the match, Krejcikova, ranked 17th, struggled physically during the third set, requiring medical attention midway through. After Navarro secured a crucial break at 3-2, Krejcikova received treatment that included hydration and a quick snack. Despite her best efforts, the signs of distress were palpable, with Krejcikova frequently seen leaning over and resting her hands on her knees.
“It’s very sad and unfortunate for me,” Krejcikova said after the match, aware that her ranking would slip below the top 70 following this outcome. This loss is a significant setback for a player who triumphed at the French Open in 2021 and won Wimbledon just last year.
Navarro, known for her scrappy style of play, found her momentum after initially falling behind. “I tried to slow things down and make her uncomfortable,” she explained. After recovering from a set and a break down, she managed to flip the match in her favor, finishing with an impressive tally of only 11 unforced errors compared to Krejcikova’s 53.
As the tournament progresses, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Navarro is among only four remaining top-10 seeds, alongside the likes of No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 7 Mirra Andreeva, and No. 8 Iga Swiatek. Both Rybakina and Vondrousova, last year’s champions, exited early, further opening the field for potential newcomers.
Looking forward, Navarro will face Andreeva, an 18-year-old rising star from Russia, in a match that promises to challenge both players’ resolve. With each match in the tournament leading to unexpected outcomes, the race for the women’s title appears wide open, ensuring that a different champion will emerge yet again.
“I feel pretty good about where I’m at,” Navarro said regarding her preparation and strategies. As the tournament continues, her determination and unique style of play are drawing attention, setting the stage for a thrilling pursuit of glory at Wimbledon.