Emma Navarro’s first time playing the Charleston Open was no walk in the park for her father. While she has now made a name for herself in the tennis world with her competitive spirit, first times are always tough. Back in 2019, her father, Ben Navarro, who is the tournament owner for Charleston, shared his initial words after his daughter’s early debut in the same tournament.

During the 2019 Charleston Open, Emma and her father sat down with the Tennis Channel to talk about the event and the American WTA star’s involvement in it. At the same time, he shared his reaction, “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I lost a couple nights sleep going up into the tournament because it’s the first time she had a chance to play on a stage like that, and you just don’t know.” 

Further, he continued, “I know if I had to do it I probably wouldn’t have been able to swing the racket. So the fact that she was able to go out and really be all that she is just was thrilling for me. If you make me talk about it too much, I’ll start crying right here on the set.” 

Ben Navarro established the international diversified investment services firm Sherman Financial Group, headquartered in Charleston, in 1998. Three years after Emma’s birth, in 2005, the Sherman Group bought a minor bank and changed its name to Credit One Bank.

In 2018, Navarro increased the scope of his commercial endeavors in the tennis industry by obtaining the WTA Tour sanction for the Family Circle Tennis Center and the Volvo Car Open, which was then known as the event name. Emma Navarro had established a solid juniors tennis career by then.

She placed in the doubles final at the Australian Open in 2019, won the doubles title at Roland Garros, and advanced to the Wimbledon singles semifinals and final in the singles. Later entering the Charleston WTA Tour main draw as a wild card that same year, the current World No. 17 made her debut at the age of 17.

Navarro has always been open about the love and support she has received at Charleston, but at the same time, in the past, she has opened up about the love and support she has received from her father in her promising tennis career.

Emma Navarro is grateful for her father’s support 

When asked about her mentor, Emma Navarro opened up about her father, and how he has been with her through thick and thin. Reflecting on her journey, she once shared in an interview, “My dad always said he wanted it to be a family sport. I have two older brothers, and they both played. As soon as I was old enough and strong enough to hold a racquet, I was out there on the court with them.” 

This Wimbledon, not only did she make a successful debut, but at the same time, she made it to the fourth round of the Grand Slam event. However, while she will face Coco Gauff in the upcoming round, previously she defeated the world number one, Naomi Osaka, in the run.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Navarro’s career, and her father’s touch on her career, from the other side? Do let us know in the comment section below.