Reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff candidly discusses her upcoming match against “tough opponent” Emma Navarro. As their fates are sealed in representing their country in the Paris Olympics, Gauff recalls how she “always knew she (Navarro) was very talented .”  Growing up together till Navarro joined the college, the US Open 2023 champion expresses her relationship with the latter, though not “close friends.”

In a recent press conference, Gauff said, “just growing up with her I always knew she was very talented and knew she would do her game, would translate well on tour. I think she has a very all-court game and playing her is going to be tough match.” She also mentioned their past matches, including playing against Navarro in the juniors and at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where Gauff won 6-3, 6-1.

Despite their on-court rivalry, Gauff described her relationship with Navarro as friendly. “Relationship-wise we’re very friendly with each other I wouldn’t say we’re like close friends just because we didn’t like we grew up but then we kind of split cause she went to college but we’re always very friendly with each other. I am super excited to be on the same Olympic team with her,” Gauff said.

The 20-year-old American player further delved deeper into how the WTA no 17 has a very “all-court” playstyle and “playing her is going to be tough match”. Mentioning how Navarro “had some good wins this tournament”, Gauff concluded by saying that she believes playing her will be tough.

Well, just a few days back, Navarro defeated Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets proving her worth. On the other hand, Gauff made the Wimbledon fourth round as a 15-year-old in 2019, then repeated the feat two years later but was eliminated in the first round last year. So, yes, she is going to face a tough opponent indeed.

Meanwhile, the WTA No. 17, Emma Navarro, feels confident after reaching the fourth round against a competitive player like Coco Gauff. Despite losing to Gauff in their last meeting, Navarro feels more prepared this time.

Emma Navarro feels that she has “the level inside“ her to beat Coco Gauff

Despite Gauff being careful about her next match against Navarro, the latter showed great enthusiasm and spirit about reaching the quarterfinals. “I think when I played her at the beginning of the year, I wasn’t necessarily ready for that challenge, We practiced a couple of times this year. They’ve gone differently than the match went at the beginning of the year. I know I have the level inside of me that can beat a player like her. It’s maybe just a matter of doing it on a bigger stage,” Navarro said in a press conference.

Navarro’s statement reflects her readiness to compete against the US Open 2023 winner. Following Madison Keys’ withdrawal from the Olympics, Navarro took her place, joining forces with other players, including Coco Gauff. This opportunity might bring Gauff and Navarro closer as they represent Team USA together.

Coco Gauff’s remarks highlight Emma Navarro as a formidable opponent. Despite her previous loss to Gauff, Navarro is determined to make a strong statement against the reigning US Open champion. The upcoming fourth-round match at Wimbledon promises to be an exciting contest between these two talented players.