In a match that swung wildly from one side to the other, American Emma Navarro pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the China Open on Wednesday, handing world No. 2 Iga Swiatek a decisive 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 defeat in the round of 16. The 24-year-old Navarro, seeded 16th, broke through after more than two and a half hours of intense play on the hard courts of Beijing, marking her first career win over the Polish star.
Swiatek, who entered as the top favorite and riding a six-match winning streak, started strong by breaking early in the first set. But Navarro fought back tenaciously, saving break points and capitalizing on her opponent's uncharacteristic errors to steal the opener. The second set saw Swiatek regain some footing, leveling the score with solid baseline play. However, the third set was all Navarro— she dominated with ruthless efficiency, blanking Swiatek 6-0 in what felt like a sudden collapse for the former world No. 1. Indeed, Swiatek's 28 unforced errors underscored a frustrating afternoon, reminiscent of her late-2024 struggles.
For Navarro, this victory propels her into the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time this season, joining a strong contingent of American women like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the last eight. It's her third win over a top-two player, and perhaps a sign that the 17th-ranked American is ready to climb higher. Swiatek, meanwhile, exits early again, her title hopes dashed in a tournament she once dominated.
Moreover, the result highlights Navarro's growing confidence on big stages; she's won four of her last five matches against top-10 foes. Swiatek's team will no doubt dissect this loss quickly, but for now, it leaves questions about her form heading into the Asian swing's finale.
However, as the China Open progresses, one can't help but wonder if this is the start of a shifting guard in women's tennis.