Coco Gauff faced a tough match against Emma Navarro at Centre Court, constantly seeking guidance from her coaches in the stands. Despite efforts from coach Brad Gilbert, a winning strategy eluded her.
Gauff, who has yet to advance past the fourth round at Wimbledon, suffered a 6-4, 6-3 defeat to Navarro in their all-American showdown on Sunday.
“We had a plan going in, but I felt it wasn’t effective. Usually, I don’t look to my coaches for advice, but today was different. Mentally, I needed more direction,” said Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion and No. 2 seed at Wimbledon.
Her loss adds to a string of upsets among top-ranked women at this year’s Wimbledon. Top seed Iga Swiatek was defeated on Saturday, No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka withdrew due to injury, and last year’s champion, No. 6 Marketa Vondrousova, fell in the first round.
Only two of the top 10 seeds remain No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 7 seed Jasmine Paolini, who faces Navarro next. Rybakina plays her fourth-round match on Monday, while Paolini advanced after Madison Keys retired from injury.
For Navarro, seeded 19th, this Wimbledon marks a breakthrough with her first major quarterfinal appearance. Known for her meticulous preparation, including jotting down notes on her phone, Navarro defeated four-time major champion Naomi Osaka in the second round.
“I’m starting to believe in myself more. Why not me? Why can’t I make a deep run?” said Navarro, 23, who grew up in South Carolina and won the 2021 NCAA championship at the University of Virginia.
