Emma Navarro enjoyed a strong 2024 season, highlighted by semifinal appearances at the US Open and quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Despite not winning a title, her consistent progress was evident. However, her early exit at the China Open led to a controversial decision that alienated some fans.

Following the unexpected announcement of Simona Halep’s return to competitive tennis at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125, organizers revealed that Emma Navarro would also be participating. Despite the potential withdrawal of Zhang Shuai(who defeated Navarro in the first round of the China Ope), Michael Cheng Ming-git, the head of the Hong Kong China Tennis Association, believes that the tournament’s lineup, starting on Monday at Victoria Park, is comparable to or even better than some WTA 250 events.

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

Moreover, Peter Johnston, the association’s director of international events, described Navarro’s participation as a “major coup for the tournament”. “She arrived in town last night and is looking forward to playing in Hong Kong for the first time,” he said. “Our fans will see the best of women’s tennis on show at Victoria Park this week.” However, her entry into the tournament has baffled tennis fans.

They are not conventionally wrong, as top players are usually seen during the WTA 500, or WTA 1000 tournaments. Navarro’s name in the main draw has upset some tennis fans! As they respond to the above tweet with harsh digs at the American star.

Tennis fans call Emma Navarro’s entry in the Hong Kong Open 2024 “embarrassing”

A fan took to X to show their displeasure with Navarro playing a lower-ranking tournament. They said: 

Explaining Halep and Navarro move, Cheng added, “Decisions like Simona [Halep] and Emma [Navarro] show that we are thoughtful in execution and these are decisions that will move the dial in establishing Hong Kong as a serious tennis destination on the international scene. There will be more of these [decisions] from us, and these are decisions that catch the attention of the global audience.”

Another fan questioned, “Top 10 allowed to play 125k, but top 30 not allowed to play 250? According to the WTA rule book, if a player is accepted to a WTA 500 event, they cannot participate in a WTA 250 event if they are ranked in the top 30. However, there is no mention of the fact that if only a WTA 125 tournament is happening, top players cannot participate.

Hence, it’s not a scam, but rather a convention by the top-ranked players. They choose to give opportunities to the lower-ranked players in the circuit to advance their preparations and rankings for the main draw. Moreover, Navarro’s last WTA 125 tournament was in Paris, in April. Before she rose to the top 10 ranks. Therefore, another fan somewhere accused her of, “Taking a spot from those who need it more.”

While rules are sorted, some fans state that, “Nah, this is genuinely embarrassing. world no8…” Why? This season already, Navarro has played two WTA 125 tournaments in Paris, and this will be her 3rd WTA 125 tournament of the season. During the clay season, she made the quarterfinals at the Catalonia Open WTA 125 in Lleida, Spain and the final at the Trophée Clarins in Paris, France. Hence, Navarro seems to be more confident than nervous. And, there is nothing bad about winning some points at the tournament.

Meanwhile, some fans thought that Emma Navarro was just there in Hong Kong for “Free food and accommodation while waiting for the next tournament. That’s how the rich get richer.” Contrary to some speculation, Emma Navarro’s participation in the tournament is not solely motivated by financial gain. Her father has a net worth of over $1 Billion, ensuring that she has ample resources.

Moreover, this did not end here. Another shock came in the form of a rebuke from tennis fans, as they stated, “My class resentment has resurfaced. Are you kidding me, Navarro? What are you doing in a 125 tournament? Let the players below you rack up points.”

Though it’s highly unusual for a top 10 players to play at WTA 125, seems like not for Emma Navarro, as she is just looking at more practice, and winning the tournaments.