Billionaire tennis star dumped out of French Open and left red-faced by Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka coasted into the French Open quarter-finals at the expense of her American opponent.
Billionaire tennis star Emma Navarro crashed out of the French Open at the last 16 with a 2-6, 3-6 defeat to Aryna Sabalenka, just days after she warned the world No. 2 that life would be made "uncomfortable" for her on Court Philippe Chatrier. Instead, the Australian Open champion coasted to victory and another quarter-final berth.
Sabalenka raced into an early 4-0 lead to stamp her authority on the match, replying with emphasis as she made sure that the only uncomfortable player on court would be Navarro.
The 23-year-old American, daughter of billionaire and Charleston Open owner Ben Navarro, would have been confident going into the contest after defeating Sabalenka earlier this year at Indian Wells in their only previous meeting.
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And her plan was to make the court as difficult as possible for Sabalenka. “Going to try to go into it and play an aggressive game and try to make her uncomfortable so [it’s] different but I’m excited,” Navarro exclusively told Express Sport as she previewed their clash, though aware that playing on such a big stage could bring about some unwelcomed nerves.
“Maybe [it will be] a little overwhelming, just it being my first time playing on that court and first time playing on a centre court at a Grand Slam. But I’d be really excited for the opportunity and everything is a learning experience so just excited to get another learning experience under my belt.”
After the Belarussian star broke Navarro in the second set there was no looking back for the second seed after storming the first, taking all four opening games. Navarro fought back to win three of her own as she clung on to her Roland Garros hopes, but was unable to unsettle Sabalenka who brought too much power and precision to their battle.
Sabalenka will meet either France's Varvara Gracheva or Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals as the leading contender to take away Iga Swiatek's crown in Paris.
"First of all, I wanna say thank you so much for the atmosphere really enjoyed playing in front of you all today," Sabalenka reflected after defeating Navarro. "And yeah, I played really tough battle against her at Indian Wells, was really tough match, was going here today ready to fight for every point.
"Was really full on rallies I knew I would have to work really hard to get this win. I’m happy with the level I played today, she’s such a tough opponent."
