Why Emma Navarro's Rise Is Big for Women's Tennis

Emma Navarro was already enjoying a stellar season before Wimbledon. The 23-year-old won her first title in Hobart and made her breakthrough at the French Open by reaching the fourth round. Despite this, not many had tipped her for a deep run at Wimbledon, given her lack of experience on grass. However, she is now in her first Grand Slam quarter-final after reaching US Open champion Coco Gauff in London. Navarro also defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round. Her improved results this year indicate that she will remain at the top of women's tennis for a long time to come. There are other reasons, however, why Navarro's rise is positive for women's tennis.

Why Emma Navarro's Rise Is Big for Women's Tennis

Navarro's entertaining and unique playing style

There has been a marked shift in the styles of men’s and women’s tennis over the past two decades. Much more emphasis is now placed on baseline hitting, with most players attempting to overpower their opponents. There are certainly variations of this at the top of the women’s game. For example, French Open champions Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff can rely more on their excellent athleticism than other players, although they also attempt to dominate with baseline power in their matches.

Navarro, on the other hand, is not a player with enormous power. She can still step up the court and drive the ball, but the Hobart International champion cannot rely on it as much as other players. The American compensates for that with other qualities. She hits her forehand with heavy topspin to push her opponents back into the court, making it difficult to hit through her. In addition, Navarro often changes the pace of rallies with her backhand slice or by using her very effective drop shot. The 23-year-old also plays doubles regularly, making her very adept at the net.

A final strength of Navarro is the excellent accuracy of her ground strokes. This was proven against Gauff at Wimbledon, where she mercilessly targeted her compatriot’s weaker forehand. All these skills mean that Navarro has a very complete game that is full of variety. While women’s tennis is generally entertaining and in great position, having different styles is good for the game. The Wimbledon quarter-finalist is an alternative to consistently powerful hitting and achieves that.

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Navarro's icy personality

Nowadays it is rare to find players with the Bjorn Borg style of remaining completely calm throughout the match. Some players like Aryna Sabalenka or the 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko regularly show their emotions during a match. Others like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff remain calm for most of their matches, but often let their emotions run free after success or difficulty in important moments.

Navarro has already become known for her remarkably calm composure during her matches. 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is the best comparison, though even she can sometimes find herself at odds with her more temperamental coach Stefano Vukov. The contrast between Navarro’s level-headed nature and her more emotional opponents is fun to watch. Neither approach is better, just as there’s nothing wrong with players who use the aggressive baseline style that has become increasingly common in tennis. But such variety in the sport is a positive development.

Navarro proves that players can turn pro later in life and still be successful

Talent at a young age can be stressful for players. Some, like Coco Gauff, have thrived, but others have struggled in the past. That means going pro right away isn’t always the best path for every player. For some, playing college tennis to develop technically and emotionally is a better route. Navarro played at the University of Virginia from 2020 to 2022, where Danielle Collins also played college tennis nearly a decade earlier. As a freshman in 2021, she won the NCAA Championships singles title, earning her a wildcard into that year’s US Open. When Navarro left in June 2022 to pursue a professional careershe shared how the experience has made her a better player and person.

Making aspiring players aware that there are multiple routes to success can be beneficial to their belief and well-being. Navarro's journey to becoming a top professional player can be a positive force for the next generation.

Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports