\n<\/p>\n
“I feel really good. That’s my best match of the tournament so far and I’m obviously happy to get the win on my birthday,” Gauff told Sky Sports.<\/p>\n
Both Gauff and Navarro are bidding to become the first American woman to win at Indian Wells since Serena Williams in 2001.<\/p>\n
Gauff will play either Russian 11th seed Daria Kasatkina or China’s Yuan Yue in the semi-finals, while Navarro will face Greek ninth seed Maria Sakkari or France’s Diane Parry.<\/p>\n
Claiming the first break of the match in the eighth game, Navarro saved a break point before serving out the opening set, but Sabalenka fought back to win the second.<\/p>\n
After exchanging breaks early in the decider, Navarro struck again for a 3-1 lead as Sabalenka’s serve faltered and, after saving the first match point, the two-time major winner missed the second to hand Navarro the biggest win of her career.<\/p>\n
The victory continues a strong season for the 22-year-old, who claimed her first WTA Tour title in January at the Hobart International.<\/p>\n
“I’m feeling really good, it’s never easy coming out and playing an opponent like that – so experienced and just so talented,” Navarro said.<\/p>\n
“She made it really tough on me today, but I was glad I was able to play some good tennis in the big moments.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n