Coco Gauff was knocked out of Wimbledon by her fellow American and Olympic teammate Emma Navarro on Sunday .
The 19th seed, who happens to be a billionaire's daughter , secured her first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal spot with a solid 6-4 6-3 win over U.S. Open champion Gauff , who appeared helpless as she pleaded with her team in the box for advice.
This upset has thrown the lower half of the draw into chaos, as Gauff was the most experienced tennis player remaining in terms of competing for major championships. This marked the second time Gauff and Navarro have faced off, with the world No.2 previously defeating her compatriot in the Auckland semifinal earlier this year.
READ MORE: Judy Murray's two-word response to Emma Raducanu's Wimbledon doubles withdrawal
READ MORE: Andy Murray's mum Judy backtracks over Emma Raducanu comments after Wimbledon swipe
However, Navarro has since emerged as one of the season's most reliable players, earning her first title and breaking into the top 20. The second seed was quick to seize control, breaking to love. But Navarro quickly neutralized the advantage and held her serve to ward off two more break points.
The former college athlete chose the perfect moment to elevate her game, landing four winners when Gauff served to stay in the set and clinching it 6-4. Navarro maintained her precise performance in the second set, leaving the 20-year-old powerless.
Gauff seemed lost as she began making mistakes and double-faulted before being broken again. Her body language spoke volumes as she shook her head while returning and vented her frustrations at her team after falling 1-4 behind, gesturing with her arms.
"Tell me something. You guys aren't saying anything," Gauff shouted at her coaching team. "Something of a shouting match between Brad Gilbert and Coco Gauff," BBC commentator Anne Keothavong added.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
The world No. 2 was able to save a deuce game but still ended up crashing out to Navarro, who sealed the victory on her third match point after Gauff hit her 25th unforced error. "I don’t have a ton of words but just really grateful to get out here on Centre Court, a tournament with so much history and tradition," an awestruck Navarro told the crowd.
"I think I played really aggressively. Coco is obviously an amazing player, I have a ton of respect for her and what she’s gone at such a young age is amazing. I knew she wasn’t going to make it easy tonight but I wanted to play aggressive and push back."
Navarro will now face seventh seed, Jasmine Paolini, for a place in the semi-final. In the other quarterfinal, 123rd-ranked qualifier Lulu Sun takes on world No. 37 Donna Vekic.
Most Popular
Comments / 0