“I just try to get the most out of myself on my worst day, and I think that’s what, uh, you know, makes me a good player,” said Emma Navarro after overcoming a daunting challenge to carve out a sensational win in Tennis Paradise. The American player has been on an upward trajectory since her nascent college career saw her claim the 2021 NCAA women’s championship. She turned pro a year later in 2022 and has already achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 12. So, naturally when triumphant results started boosting her credentials on the tour, competitors acknowledged her potential to present stiff competition. Not just that, Navarro’s compatriot has now heaped praises on her resolute demeanor on-court.
The 23-year-old jetted for the BNP Paribas Open on the back of a title finish in Merida. A strong start to the season, where she made the quarterfinal of the Australian Open before bowing out to Iga Swiatek, has drastically played in her favor. Now, with better match experience and nerve-racking contests against some of the elite players, her countrywoman and reigning Melbourne Slam champion Madison Keys lauded the young talent’s ability to fence tough matches.
During a post-match presser at the Indian Wells Masters, Keys praised her compatriot’s mental fortitude after the tenth seed saved two match points to stage a miraculous Round of 64 comeback victory over Sorana Cirstea. “Emma is one of the grittiest players I
think I have ever watched,” said Keys. “I got to watch her courtside at Billie Jean King Cup last year, and just kind of hearing her talk to herself and get herself through some tough matches and tough moments where she wasn’t playing well was so impressive.”
She continued, “I think it’s one of her biggest weapons that she has. I think you can never really count her out, and I think that’s
why she’s able to do as well as she does.” For those unaware, Keys also registered a hard-fought three-set victory over Elise Mertens to secure her place in the event’s last sixteen.
As for the 23-year-old, Navarro claimed her maiden title in Australia at the 2024 Hobart International and months later, made her debut at the Paris Olympics. A first of many, her initial standout result of the season came at Wimbledon where she outclassed fellow player Coco Gauff to set up a quarterfinal date against Jasmine Paolini. She later recorded a similar result against the World No. 3 during an impressive US Open campaign en route to reaching the semifinal.
Poised to climb the rankings and establish a stronghold on the tour, Navarro later credited “mental toughness” for helping her pull through days when she’s not at her best.
Emma Navarro reveals a calm facade following her R2 Indian Wells win
American star Emma Navarro outfoxed her second-round opponent in a three-set tussle at Tennis Paradise but, none of that would’ve been possible if not for her calm and collected outlook throughout the contest. Despite staring down the barrel multiple times, the 23-year-old revealed the secret behind staying level-headed.
During an on-court interview, Navarro also highlighted how she started “throwing hands” at her team the minute she pocketed the win and exited the court. “None of my team is safe after my matches,” she said. “I just go back there and start throwing hands, so that’s what you guys don’t see. I keep it cool, calm, and collected for you guys.” The No. 10 seed also addressed the electrifying atmosphere during her showdown and described it as one of her best experiences.
“It was incredible, yeah, you guys are insane tonight, thanks so much for, honestly, one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in. Um, yeah, it’s amazing out here. On Court 2, we had a lot of competition up there, and you guys held your own. So, yeah, good job,” she added.
Navarro is currently battling Donna Vekic in the Round of 32 and is tied 4-4 against the Croatian sensation in the first set. The winner of their match will secure a place in the event’s last sixteen.
The post “One of Her Biggest Weapons,” Australian Open Champion Madison Keys Lauds Compatriot With Praise After Dream Comeback in Indian Wells appeared first on EssentiallySports.
