Emma Navarro shares true opinion on Coco Gauff after being roommates at Olympics

Emma Navarro has expressed her deep respect for fellow American tennis sensation Coco Gauff as they prepare for a titanic fourth-round encounter at the US Open on Sunday.

Gauff sailed through her latest challenge, dispatching Elina Svitolina in a thrilling three-setter to continue her title defense. Hot on her heels, Navarro secured her own victory over Marta Kostyuk at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Their upcoming clash marks the first since Navarro's stunning straight-sets triumph over Gauff at Wimbledon earlier this year, an upset that still resonates within the tennis world.

Since their Wimbledon face-off, the duo have not only been teammates but also roommates during the Paris Olympics, forging a bond beyond the court with unforgettable off-court moments.

Despite their impending on-court rivalry, Navarro didn't hold back in praising Gauff, who has become the face of American tennis.

Navarro fondly recalled their time together at the Olympics, saying: "Yeah, it was awesome. I've watched Coco kind of grow up as the rest of us have.

"We shared kind of like apartment, dorm-style apartment at the Olympic Village. It was us and a couple of table tennis players and a couple of archers and us girls and the tennis team. We were roommates for a few days.

"We kind of had a running joke that the people that stayed in the Village as opposed to going to the hotel were digging. They were digging it out, digging really deep.

"I dug as long as I could, but I eventually had to move to the hotel because I wasn't really sleeping too much at the Village. Coco dug it out all week."

"Yeah, getting to know her was awesome. She gets a ton of attention. Just walking around the Village with her was pretty crazy. You know, people constantly coming up to her and wanting to trade pins, wanting to take a picture with her. Especially for her age, to be able to handle it as well as she does is really impressive."

"Yeah, I have a ton of respect for her. It was really cool to be able to spend time together and grow our relationship. Yeah, it's cool to have a friend on tour. Playing each other I think will be a great experience for both of us."

The match between Gauff and Navarro marks another significant all-American clash, following Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe's huge third-round tie in the men's singles.

Navarro expressed her excitement: "It's really exciting. I said it on the court. I think it's so exciting to have two Americans playing in the fourth round."

"I'm assuming we'll be playing on Arthur Ashe. That's kind of an experience that is something I could have never even dreamed of. I'm playing the defending champ. I think it will be a great match, and I'm just really excited for the opportunity."

"I think it's great for American tennis. The guys and the girls, we both have I think five Americans in the top 20 or top 15 right now, which, you know, it's pretty amazing. I think it's been a long time since that has been the case."

"Yeah, of course, I want to see myself and my fellow Americans go as far as we can go in the tournament. The fact that one of us has to be knocked out is tough, but no, I'm not frustrated at all. I think it's an incredible opportunity for both of us."