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.

The incident unfolded when Navarro announced her participation in the inaugural WTA 125 tournament in Hong Kong after her China Open loss. “Hey, guys. Emma Navarro here. Just wanted you to know I am gonna be playing at the 125 here in Hong Kong next week. Really excited to be here and hopefully gonna see this city a little bit and play some great tennis so looking forward to see you guys there,” she wrote on Instagram Stories.

However, critics appeared miffed with the World No. 8’s decision to play in a low-tier tournament. While many opined Navarro’s participation took away the chances of many lower-ranked players, with comments stating “Top 10 player playing WTA 125…. what a shameless vulture” and “Emma Navarro is so greedy it’s not even funny”, among others, Olympic gold medalist and 21 singles title winner Pam Shriver had a completely different opinion…

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?”

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.

Hong Kong China Tennis Federation calls Emma Navarro “an inspiration”

Amid criticism, Michael Cheng Ming-git, the head of the Hong Kong China Tennis Federation, seemed delighted that Navarro would participate in the tournament starting today at Victoria Park.  “

Usually a top 10 player doesn’t play [in any 125 events] so I’m super happy she is coming to Hong Kong. Navarro came through the college route and has done so well on the tour; she is an inspiration to the younger generation.”

Along with Ming-git, the Director of International Events for the association, Peter Johnson, looked immensely hopeful about her participation.

“She arrived in town last night and is looking forward to playing in Hong Kong for the first time, Our fans will see the best of women’s tennis on show at Victoria Park this week,” said Johnson.

This comes amid the 23-year-old’s best seasons of her career so far. This year, she advanced to a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time at the US Open earlier this month, won her maiden tour-level title at the 2024 Hobart International, and debuted at No. 8—her highest career ranking—on September 9 this year.

After much criticism, Pam Shriver’s statement helps to clarify Emma Navarro’s decision. Now that she will play in Victoria Park, her fans in Hong Kong are eagerly waiting to see her magic on the court.