After Barrage of Fan Hate, Emma Navarro’s Sudden Decision Earns Strong Support From American W…see more

After Barrage of Fan Hate, Emma Navarro’s Sudden Decision Earns Strong Support From American WTA Legend

Emma Navarro’s saga of unfortunate events is not coming to an end. After missing out on the opportunity in Flushing Meadows in the semi-finals against Aryna Sabalenka (6-3, 7-6(2)), she landed in China with new hope. However, that dream shattered within a day as she lost to home favorite Zheng Shuai (4-6, 2-6). Not losing a moment to nurse her broken heart, Navarro hoped on to her next quest—until it landed her in a huge controversy.

On September 19, tennis podcaster Myles Davis appeared frustrated. He took to X to ask: “Can someone explain to me how Emma Navarro, currently the 8th best player on the women’s tennis tour, is a top seed at a Challenger level (below top tier) tournament in Hong Kong next week?”

On September 19, tennis podcaster Myles Davis appeared frustrated. He took to X to ask: “Can someone explain to me how Emma Navarro, currently the 8th best player on the women’s tennis tour, is a top seed at a Challenger level (below top tier) tournament in Hong Kong next week?”
despite the fan backlash?

Absolutely

Not at all

Undecided

Need more information

Who do you think will dominate the China Open clash?

Aryna Sabalenka

Ashlyn Krueger

It will be a close match

Whats your Perspective on:
Emma Navarro’s break: A smart move for mental health or a sign of weakness in today’s athletes?

Have an interesting take?

Join The Debate

Do you believe Jannik Sinner is innocent in the doping controversy?

Absolutely

Not sure

No way

Do you think Alexis Ohanian’s approach to balancing parental love and business is commendable?

Absolutely

It’s reasonable

Not really

He should be more lenient

Do you believe Jannik Sinner is innocent in the doping controversy?

Absolutely

No way

Not sure

Need more evidence

In response, Shriver explained why Navarro’s decision was wise. “We thought about playing this challenger too if a first round loss in Beijing. These 1000s over two weeks can mean a long wait until next tournament. Playing the 125 is smart,” tweeted the former WTA star. Davis agreed with Shriver’s reasoning and showed that Navarro had no other option but to play the tournament, writing, “ I hadn’t really sat with the fact that Beijing was also more than just a 1 week 1000 and what the options are like for players who lose earlier on. And now i see it’s kind of baked into the rules to allow that flexibility for players,” he added.

The podcaster also added a rulebook screenshot that mentioned the exceptions given to players for playing in a Women’s ITF World Tennis Tournament, a WTA 125 Tournament or a WTA 1000 Mandatory Tournament.

Even the head of the Hong Kong China Tennis Association expressed great delight in the lineup. His statement helped people understand how Navarro’s participation meant a lot to the country’s fraternity.