Australian Open 2025: Stars and Stripes Soar in Australia.Three Yonex Stars Advance to the Quarterfinals

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – As record-breaking crowds flock to Melbourne Park for this year’s  Australian Open, the tournament has settled into its second and decisive week. Among the "Elite Eight" in both the men's and women's draws, three members of the Yonex family have made their mark.

 

Let’s take a closer look at their journey so far and the challenges that lie ahead.


Emma Navarro - "Queen of Three" - Advances to the Quarterfinals

 

"I've just been stayin' alive, so hoping to continue on that train," laughed Emma Navarro (USA) on court after her three-set seesaw against Daria Kasatkina.

The American No. 8 seed gave a nod to the John Cain Arena DJ for their Bee Gees pick as she reached the finish line against Kasatkina in what was Navarro's fourth consecutive three-set win this AO.

 

When asked in a press conference about the key to winning such grueling matches, Navarro explained: "For me, I feel like it's more of a test of mental will than anything. I have worked really hard on my fitness to be able to go three sets and play over two hours, three hours, whatever it takes. Yeah, I feel like my fitness has definitely paid off here in my first four matches.”

 

Navarro also highlighted her versatility as another advantage in long matches.

"It's definitely something that I can hang my hat on a little bit, that I have a lot of tools in the toolbox, and I can bring different things out when I need," the 23-year-old explained. "I definitely utilized the slice a good bit in the third set [against Kasatkina]. I rely on my defensive skills and my ability to move laterally, but also up and back."

 

Her hope for her maiden Australian Open quarterfinal, where she's set to face four-time major champion Iga Swiatek? “I prefer to win in two sets,” she said, smiling.

The last time the two met was way back in 2018 at an ITF tournament in Charleston, South Carolina, Emma's hometown, with Swiatek winning 6-0, 6-2. But back then, Swiatek was ranked 412th, and Navarro was at No. 1123 making that match nearly irrelevant for their upcoming clash.

What will happen in their rematch in Melbourne? Navarro laughed and said, “We will see.”

 

Two Americans Bring Electricity to Elite Eight

 

In contrast to Navarro’s marathon matches, Tommy Paul (USA) had a relatively straightforward fourth-round win. His opponent, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, seemed physically drained from his own journey into the second week.

 

Davidovich Fokina took a medical timeout after the first set and struggled to stay on court until the end of the match in hot, summery conditions. Paul secured a straight-sets victory with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in just 1 hour and 27 minutes.

 

Two years ago, Paul reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, marking the start of his shift into the next gear of top-level tennis. He also made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year.

 

Reflecting on what he’s learned from those experiences, Paul shared: “I would say just like taking care of your body is so important [during a Slam]. You want to go on the court for these three-out-of-five set matches willing and able to play five.”

 

 

Ben Feels Like This is Where He Belongs 

 

At the 2023 Australian Open, Ben Shelton (USA) was on his first overseas trip ever, and made a fearless and an unexpected deep run in his AO debut at age 20.

 

Now, two years later, Shelton is back in the quarterfinals, this time as the 21st seed. In the fourth round, he took on French veteran Gael Monfils, a player the American had admired since childhood.

 

Their much-anticipated clash showcased both players’ athleticism, with three consecutive sets decided by tiebreaks. After a grueling campaign that saw him upset No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in the third round, the 38-year-old Monfils had little energy left and retired after the first game of the fourth having dropped the third proving Paul's previous claim of just how important that third set is.

 

Shelton reflected on his return to this quarterfinal stage: “It’s just kind of like a peacefulness, a confidence", he said. "In your off days, you’re not too worried how you’re hitting the ball or how many balls you hit.”

 

With his sights set higher, Shelton now sees the second week of a Grand Slam as a place he truly belongs.

 

 

Yonex Players Shine in Junior Australian Open

 

The junior tournament got underway at Melbourne Park over the middle weekend, with 40 players (20 boys and 20 girls) wielding Yonex racquets. Yonex holds a 31% market share among junior players, the second-largest among all brands.

 

Following in the footsteps of players like Joao Fonseca (BRA), the 2023 US Open boys' champion who defeated No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev in this tournament, top juniors often go on to become future stars in the pro ranks.

This year, Yonex-equipped juniors are sure to dazzle with their potential to become tomorrow’s champions.

 

 

Emma Navarro (USA) | VCORE 98 / POLYTOUR REV 125

Tommy Paul (USA) | VCORE 98  

Ben Shelton (USA) | EZONE 98 / POLYTOUR STRIKE 125 / POLYTOUR PRO 125

Joao Fonseca (BRA), | VCORE 98 / POLYTOUR STRIKE 130

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