American tennis seems to be bouncing back in a big way. After a disastrous end to their Paris Olympics dream run, Emma Navarro has taken up the mantle to do some reparations. Bear in mind, she is in the mood to do some damage on the Tour. The American has reached her maiden WTA 1000 masters semifinal at the Canadian Open. While her name won’t ring any bells for some fans, her compatriot and fellow alumni’s name certainly will.

Navarro faced countrywoman Taylor Townsend in the quarterfinals and despite facing resistance from the 28-year-old, the No. 8 seed steered clear of her challenge. She concluded Townsend’s campaign with a straight-set score of 6-3, 7-6(5). Following her triumph, Navarro had some keen things to highlight about Danielle Collins, the WTA star who graduated from the same college as the semifinalist, the University of Virginia.

While talking to the reporters in Toronto, Navarro was queried regarding her relationship with Collins. She was asked whether her guidance assisted the American in transitioning from college tennis to the tour-level circuit. In her response, the young talent highlighted that she’s picked up notable features from Collins’s body language. She further praised the former World No. 7 for her reassuring attitude from when they spent time together representing Team USA at the Olympics.

She said, “I think she’s taught me a little bit about how to be yourself, not everyone’s going to like how you go about things, but don’t let that get to you. She’s unapologetically herself, which I think is cool. Off-court, she’s been just super supportive. We got to play in the Olympics together and cheer each other.”

For the unversed, both players earned laurels with their success in the women’s NCAA. While Collins won the title twice during her sophomore and senior years in 2014 and 2016, Navarro claimed the championship in 2021. This, in turn, goes a long way to show how the American stars’ nascent journey once stemmed from playing college tennis to now delivering formidable results on the competitive circuit.

Moreover, the 23-year-old also reserved a few words to illustrate the strong position of American tennis on the Tour this year.

Emma Navarro feels content observing her counterparts’ success

In the same post-match presser, Emma Navarro directed her attention towards US women’s tennis. While Olympics did not pan out in their favor, American women have performed great this season, with Collins herself taking titles in Charleston and Miami. The World No. 15 expressed her elation witnessing her compatriots deliver impressive results while effectively touching down on a healthy team spirit, pushing each other to garner motivation.

She said, “It’s really cool to be competing alongside fellow Americans, getting to know them better, and for sure seeing their success. I think it makes it fun to see familiar faces and cheer the Americans on, guys and girls. It’s cool to see how well American tennis is doing.”

The No. 8 seed is currently in preparation to face yet another countrywoman, Amanda Anisimova. She will lock horns with the 22-year-old on Sunday, August 11, in hopes of further improving her form in Toronto and booking a place in the event’s summit clash.