Looking to back up a breakthrough is never easy but Navarro appears up to the test, showing immense physical resilience as Stearns, who is also 23 years old, faded in the final stretch of the match.
“I was just trying to make the most of the skills I had today,” Navarro repeated. “Maybe it wasn’t my best but she put up a really great fight. Obviously, we were out here for over three hours, but I’m just really happy to get the win and I can’t wait to come back out here in a couple days.”
The American will look for a more straightforward second round match against Chinese lefty Wang Xiyu, but their last match came at last year’s Australian Open, and also required a 7-5 final set.
“I’ll try to put my feet up a bit, sleep a lot, eat well, talk to my coach and figure out a game plan,” Navarro teased of her recovery. “Hopefully I’ll feel good in a couple days.”
