According to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula secured third-round victories at the US Open, highlighting a busy day of tennis across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and the Flushing Meadows grounds. Top contenders navigated challenging draws as the tournament narrowed down its fourth-round field.
Emma Navarro Claims Upset Victory Over Karolina Muchova
According to WTA match reports, 2024 US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro delivered the tournament’s biggest upset so far by defeating No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5. Navarro won the final three games of each set in their first career head-to-head meeting, handing Muchova her earliest US Open exit in four years.
The victory marks Navarro’s ninth career Top 10 win, though only her second at the US Open following her defeat of then-defending champion Coco Gauff during her run to the semifinals two years prior. Playing in front of her home crowd, Navarro stated according to tournament reports that she was “over the moon” to secure the win.
“She’s a great player and has had a great year this year,” Navarro said, according to WTA records. “A lot of really good results. I knew it would be tough today. She has a more unique game style on the WTA tour. Definitely unique matchup. But I enjoyed it. I had fun playing today. I’m looking forward to playing again in a few days.”
Linda Noskova Survives Ann Li in Three-Set Thriller
According to match statistics, No. 6 seed Linda Noskova advanced to the US Open Round of 16 for the first time by overcoming American No. 29 seed Ann Li 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-2 on Court 17. Noskova initially built a commanding 6-2, 3-0 lead before her forehand faltered, allowing Li to erase the double-break advantage.
Li saved a match point with a forehand winner at 6-5 in the second-set tiebreak and secured another point on the run to extend the match. After the opening four games of the deciding set went with serve—including two saved break points by Li for 2-2—Noskova claimed the final four games under pressure. Three of those closing games went to deuce, with Noskova saving a crucial break point to stretch her lead to 5-2.
“It was such a tough match from the beginning to the very end,” Noskova said, according to the WTA. “A lot of things happened throughout all the three sets, but I’m glad I pulled out the win. I somehow pulled it off, and I’m happy and very relieved.”
Marta Kostyuk Cruises Past Alexandrova
According to tournament results, Marta Kostyuk reached the US Open fourth round for the second year in a row by defeating Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2. Entering the match with an 0-2 head-to-head deficit against Alexandrova, Kostyuk reversed the trend by racing to a 5-1 lead in the opening set and later stringing together six consecutive games from a 2-0 deficit in the second.
With Friday’s results finalized, Noskova advances to face Kostyuk in the Round of 16, setting up a direct rematch of their previous Wimbledon semifinal encounter, according to WTA reporting.
Did you know? Emma Navarro’s victory over Karolina Muchova marked just her second career Top 10 win at Flushing Meadows, following her defeat of then-defending champion Coco Gauff on her way to the semifinals two years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Emma Navarro defeat in the third round of the US Open?
According to the WTA, Navarro defeated No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5.
Who will Linda Noskova face in the Round of 16?
According to tournament brackets, Noskova will face Kostyuk in a rematch of their Wimbledon semifinal.
How did Marta Kostyuk perform against Alexandrova?
According to match records, Kostyuk defeated Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2 to reach the US Open fourth round for the second year in a row.
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