Navarro Beats Sabalenka in 3 Sets, Gauff Advances to Quarters on Her Birthday at Indian Wells

Emma Navarro, of the United States, returns to Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, in Indian Wells, Calif., on March 13, 2024. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Emma Navarro beat second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 3–6, 6–2 in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, March 13, for the biggest win of the young American’s career.

Navarro improved to 18–5 this year, with her victories leading the WTA Tour. She is 11–2 in three-set matches. The 2021 NCAA singles champion from Virginia reached her fourth quarterfinal of the year and first at the 1000 level.