US Open 2024: Navarro upsets Muchova, Townsend and Pegula reach Round 4
Synopsis
Emma Navarro's straight-sets demolition of seventh seed Karolina Muchova is the standout shock of the US Open 2024 so far — and it sets up a draw that now looks wide open. With Pegula's world No. 1 hopes hinging on a title run and Townsend facing Sabalenka next, the women's fourth round at Flushing Meadows is appointment viewing.
Key Takeaways
Emma Navarro upset seventh seed Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5 — the biggest result in the women's draw so far at US Open 2024 .
Taylor Townsend beat 15th seed Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3 in 2 hours 27 minutes to reach the fourth round for a second straight year.
Jessica Pegula (3rd seed) recovered from losing the first set 1-6 to defeat Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-3 ; her world No.
1 bid depends on winning the title.
Linda Noskova (6th seed) survived a three-set battle against Ann Li , winning 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-2 .
Marta Kostyuk (11th seed) defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2 , reaching the fourth round for the second consecutive year.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka extended her New York winning streak to 16 matches and will next face Townsend.
Emma Navarro delivered the biggest upset of the US Open 2024 women's singles draw on 5 September, ousting seventh seed Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5 in their first-ever meeting at Flushing Meadows. The American, a semifinalist at the same venue in 2024, saved her sharpest tennis for the closing stages, winning the final three games of each set to seal a third victory over a Top 10 opponent since returning from injury.
Navarro Ends Muchova's Run
Muchova's defeat marks her earliest US Open exit since 2022. Navarro's ability to lift her level precisely when it mattered — closing out both sets with identical three-game runs — underlined the composure that made her a semifinalist here previously. This is now her most significant result of the season.
Townsend Battles Past Shnaider
Taylor Townsend continued her remarkable run at Flushing Meadows, defeating 15th seed Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3 in a 2-hour, 27-minute contest. Townsend appeared on course for a routine win after claiming the opening set in just 30 minutes, but Shnaider rallied from 3-5 down in the second, eventually forcing a decider on her seventh set point. Townsend responded emphatically, taking the final three games to reach the fourth round for the second consecutive year.
Her reward is a marquee clash with defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who extended her unbeaten run in New York to 16 matches with a straight-sets win over Kamilla Rakhimova.
Pegula Survives Fernandez Scare
Third seed Jessica Pegula overcame a difficult opening set to beat 31st seed Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in 2 hours and 11 minutes. The result keeps Pegula's bid to finish the tournament as world No. 1 alive — though she must win her maiden Grand Slam title to clinch that ranking. She next faces 36-year-old Sorana Cirstea, who continued an impressive final season by dismissing 19th seed Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-3.
Noskova and Kostyuk Advance Comfortably
Sixth seed Linda Noskova navigated a tricky three-setter against American 29th seed Ann Li, winning 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-2 on Court 17. Noskova led 6-2, 3-0 before Li fought back to force a tiebreak, even saving a match point with a forehand winner before levelling. Noskova regrouped to win the last four games of the decider.
11th seed Marta Kostyuk made it look straightforward against Ekaterina Alexandrova, winning 6-3, 6-2. After breaking clear early, Kostyuk erased an early second-set deficit by reeling off six consecutive games, returning to the fourth round for the second straight year.
What Comes Next
The fourth round sets up several high-profile matchups: Navarro's run will be tested further, Townsend faces the formidable Sabalenka, and Pegula must find consistency against the experienced Cirstea. The women's draw is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory at Flushing Meadows.
Point of View
Combined with Pegula's shaky first set against Fernandez, suggests the path to the final is far less settled than the seedings imply. Townsend's second consecutive fourth-round appearance at Flushing Meadows deserves more attention than it has received: unseeded players do not repeatedly beat seeded opponents at Slams by accident. The real story developing quietly is Pegula's world No. 1 arithmetic — it creates enormous pressure that could either sharpen or crack her in the rounds ahead.
NationPress
5 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Emma Navarro beat at the US Open 2024?
Emma Navarro defeated seventh seed Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5 on 5 September, in their first-ever meeting. It is considered the biggest upset in the women's draw at the 2024 US Open so far.
What is Jessica Pegula's world No. 1 situation at the US Open?
Third seed Jessica Pegula can finish the US Open as world No. 1, but only if she wins the title. She advanced to the fourth round by beating Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 on 5 September.
Who will Taylor Townsend face in the fourth round?
Taylor Townsend will face defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who extended her unbeaten New York streak to 16 matches. Townsend reached the fourth round for the second consecutive year by beating 15th seed Diana Shnaider.
How did Linda Noskova progress to the US Open fourth round?
Sixth seed Linda Noskova beat 29th seed Ann Li 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-2 on Court 17. Noskova led convincingly before Li forced a tiebreak and saved a match point, but Noskova won the final four games of the deciding set.
What was Marta Kostyuk's result on 5 September at the US Open?
11th seed Marta Kostyuk defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-2, reaching the US Open fourth round for the second straight year. She won six consecutive games in the second set after an early deficit to seal the win.
