Sixteen months ago, Emma Navarro, a 23-year-old American tennis player, was ranked 121st in the world. Today, she stands as one of the last four women remaining at the US Open, a testament to her remarkable rise. Her deep run in New York has catapulted her live ranking to number 8, showcasing the immense progress she has made in a short period.
While Navarro’s ascent has surprised many, those familiar with her game might not be entirely shocked. She’s known for her steady, all-court style, a workhorse with a calm demeanor that belies her talent. Navarro’s game might not be flashy, but her consistency and understated athleticism have proven highly effective. This has been evident in her recent victories, including two wins against Coco Gauff (at Wimbledon and the US Open) and one against Aryna Sabalenka (at Indian Wells). In January, Navarro claimed her first and only tour title to date in Hobart, Australia.
Despite her success, Navarro seems surprisingly comfortable in the spotlight. “It’s crazy that I’m able to walk out on Ashe [Stadium] and feel comfortable,” she said after her match against Paula Badosa. “Because it’s definitely not my nature to want to be in the spotlight and seek the attention. It’s kind of crazy, my comfort level out there.”
Navarro’s background plays a part in her composure. Born in New York and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, she comes from a tennis-loving family. Her father, Ben, is a billionaire businessman who owns tournaments in Charleston and Cincinnati. Navarro’s family is close-knit, with her grandmother regularly making the trip from Mystic, Connecticut, to Flushing to cheer her on.
Navarro initially chose to attend college, opting to pursue tennis professionally after winning the NCAA singles title as a freshman at the University of Virginia in 2021. Her meteoric rise has culminated in tonight’s semifinal showdown against Aryna Sabalenka, a player known for her powerful game. Having already faced Sabalenka at Indian Wells, Navarro has the experience needed to potentially pull off an upset. Sabalenka’s fiery personality contrasts with Navarro’s cool demeanor, which could potentially play to her advantage.
Navarro credits her match against Sabalenka at Indian Wells as a breakthrough in her confidence playing on big stages. “I was a little overwhelmed playing at Indian Wells on center court, but it was so important to me,” she told reporters. “I’m happy with my progression of feeling more comfortable on big stages.”
Navarro’s laid-back personality extends beyond the court. Jessica Pegula, another semifinalist and daughter of a billionaire, posted a TikTok showing Navarro frequently running late, highlighting her fun-loving side. During her match against Badosa, commentators even noted seeing Navarro eating cereal in the hallways of Ashe Stadium before the game.
Navarro’s relaxed nature shouldn’t be mistaken for a lack of intensity. She approaches every shot with confidence and a determined spirit, a combination that has helped her achieve success on the court.
