[Sport] Indian Wells: World number two Aryna Sabalenka knocked out by Emma Navarro

[El Máster Edwin]

Navarro now has 18 wins this season, more than any other player on the Tour

 

World number two Aryna Sabalenka fell to a surprise defeat by American Emma Navarro in the fourth round of Indian Wells.

Sabalenka, who successfully defended her Australian Open title in January, lost 6-3 3-6 6-2 to the 23rd seed.

The home hope was cheered on by the California crowd as she reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final.

Navarro will face Greek ninth seed Maria Sakkari or France's Diane Parry on Thursday.

 

Navarro broke in the eighth game for the chance to serve out the first set, but she was forced to save a break-back point against the Belarusian before taking the opener.

The two-time major winner came out fighting in the second set, getting the crucial break to go 3-1 up and stay in the contest.

After surrendering her first service game in the third set, Sabalenka was able to break back immediately, but there were screams of frustration from the second seed as Navarro claimed another break for a 3-1 lead.

Sabalenka's serve continued to falter and after saving the first match point, she missed the second to hand Navarro the biggest win of her career.

The victory continues a strong season for the 22-year-old, who claimed her first WTA Tour title in January at the Hobart International.

"I'm feeling really good, it's never easy coming out and playing an opponent like that - so experienced and just so talented," Navarro said.

"She made it really tough on me today, but I was glad I was able to play some good tennis in the big moments."

 

 

 

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