LONDON (AP) — Emma Navarro used a combination of clean tennis and mental preparation to defeat Naomi Osaka at Wimbledon on Wednesday. She had an impressive performance with only five unforced errors, 16 winners, zero break points faced, and a perfect 4-for-4 success rate at the net.
Navarro, the 2021 NCAA singles title winner, utilized little reminders she typed into her cellphone's notes app before the match to help her stay focused and calm. These mental notes helped her feel comfortable on Centre Court and ultimately secure a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Osaka, a former No. 1 player and four-time major champion.
Osaka, who has experienced more success on hard courts, struggled on grass against Navarro's solid game. Navarro, who has been climbing the rankings rapidly, is set to face Diana Shnaider in the next round after reaching the third round at Wimbledon for the first time.
Navarro's mental preparation routine started after a disappointing loss in Milan in 2019, and has since become a key component of her success on the court. The habit has helped her stay focused and confident in high-pressure situations, contributing to her recent success at major tournaments.
