The secret mantra that binds the close relationship between siblings isn’t always love; sometimes, it’s a bit of good-natured bullying. Growing up, many have felt overpowered by their elder siblings, and the scenario is no different for Emma Navarro. However, there’s a twist: the usually calm and composed tennis star, known for her poise on the court, had her moments of frustration that she took out on her siblings!

Emma Navarro is enjoying a sensational run on the grass courts this season. After reaching the semifinals at the Bad Homburg Open, the American tennis star is now set to face Coco Gauff in the Wimbledon round of 16. In her Grand Slam campaign, she defeated former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka and Diana Shnaider, to whom she lost in the semifinals in her last appearance.

The 23-year-old Navarro was seen hugging Schneider after defeating her in the third round. Speaking about the moment, she revealed her appreciation for maintaining good relationships with opponents. “When I have a good relationship with my opponent, I think it just creates a really cool atmosphere where, obviously, we want to beat each other, but we’re out there fighting for the same thing and doing what we love, and it’s positive.” The budding player further acknowledged that her calm attitude was a part of her trait ever since she was a child. 

“In this sport, you deal with a lot of emotions,” she said. “It’s high stress at times. So it’s something that obviously I have to deal with, but I would say that calmness, I’ve always had.” However, when asked if she had ever lost her calm, the American did not shy away from recalling her childhood memories. “Maybe I was a little bit mean to my siblings sometimes growing up,” she said. “Not really bossy, but I had a lot of energy as a kid I think, and maybe I took it out on my siblings sometimes,“ she said.

The tennis player has three siblings: Meggie, Earl, and Owen. Interestingly, Meggie is following in her sister’s footsteps and has picked up racquets at a young age. The American is now scheduled to face her compatriot Coco Gauff in the round of 16, who has praised her talent.

‘I always knew…’ When Coco Gauff went all around praises for her opponent Emma Navarro

Coco Gauff has known Emma Navarro since childhood, thanks to her father Corey, who had her playing in advanced USTA age brackets during her junior days. Gauff, who has lost just one match to an American other than Jessica Pegula in the last 12 months (Madison Keys in the Madrid Open), speaks highly of her three years older opponent.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Gauff revealed, “Just growing up with her, I always knew she was very talented and knew her game would translate well on tour.” Continuing further, she expressed her happiness about playing against her. “I think she has a very all-court game. Playing her is going to be a tough match. I’m very excited to be able to play against her and then play on the same team as her in the Olympics.”

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Navarro can surpass the World No. 2 player and extend her Wimbledon journey