Emma Navarro’s rapid rise in the tennis world has turned the heads of several superstars of this beautiful racquet sport. Some say she is gonna be the next big thing in American tennis, while others need more time to jump to that conclusion. The 23-year-old is indeed a newcomer to the bigger stages of the game and she might lack some experience, but her incredible performances at Wimbledon have now made her the talk of the town. Does she have a real chance at the Wimbledon this year? 

Recently, the former WTA star, Andrea Petkovic, appeared at the Racquet’s Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. During the podcast, she revealed that every single person who is in the top half has had a great season. She stated that everyone in the top half looks to be a favorite to win the title, and they’ll give their best to kick each other out. However, in the bottom half, Petkovic thinks, “If Emma Navarro can keep up the great level of play she showed against Coco and also against Naomi Osaka, I think she’s the strongest player right now in the bottom half.“

However, there’s a twist in the tale! The 36-year-old German added, “She (Navarro) hasn’t had that much experience yet in the latter stages of the Grand Slam tournament.” According to Andrea Petkovic, the top half is “overloaded” while the bottom half seems to be kind of “fallen apart.” Emma Navarro has had an outstanding season so far. She has already won a title this year at the Hobart International. Navarro is currently ranked 17th in the world and has a win-loss record of 34-14. Her number of wins this year has been almost more than twice as many as she won last year (16).

With her recent win over her compatriot, Coco Gauff, she has also secured her second win over a Top 2 player. Can she make it 3-0 against Jasmine Paolini (7) in the QF? Even the Italian has been in red-hot form this season, so beating her won’t be a cakewalk for sure. However, irrespective of the outcome of that match, let me tell you she has already gained a fair bit of popularity in the tennis world.

“She is my new favorite” – Jannik Sinner’s coach heaps praise on Emma Navarro

American tennis legend, Chris Evert, had earlier picked Coco Gauff as the probable winner of Wimbledon this year. However, Emma Navarro’s stellar performance against her pick, made her wonder, “Where did she come from? Where did she come from?” While doing the commentary for the match, Evert and Chris Fowler spoke about the flawless games displayed by the 23-year-old. Even Coco Gauff was seen struggling to cope with the incessant pressure put on by her opponent in that match.

Speaking on the same, the renowned coach Darren Cahill also admitted that it’s a “delight” to watch Emma Navarro. He added, “Everything about (her); the way she plays, the variation in her game, the slice backhands, the (coming) to the net, being brave in the big moments.” Cahill also looked quite impressed with the ways she humbly accepted her victories. This incredible brand of tennis touched by the cool and calm nature of the ‘ice girl’ made him conclude, “She (Navarro) is my new favorite female player.“