Tennis · International
Baptiste defeats Navarro in Abu Dhabi recovery
The American regrouped after a second-set sweep to reach her first WTA 500 quarterfinal.
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Hailey Baptiste defeated Emma Navarro 7–6, 0–6, 6–3 in Abu Dhabi to reach her first WTA 500 quarterfinal. The American wild card recovered after winning only nine points in the second set, recording her fourth career victory over a top-twenty opponent.
Baptiste saved a set point with an angled volley in the opening tiebreak. After Navarro swept the next set, she reset and produced more consistent aggression in the decider, breaking at 4–3 before finishing with an ace and a smash.
McCartney Kessler also eliminated a seed by defeating Leylah Fernandez. Baptiste’s next opponent was Liudmila Samsonova, who beat Janice Tjen 6–2, 6–2, while Kessler advanced to face Clara Tauson.
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