Emma Navarro, a 25-year-old rising star in women’s tennis, is gearing up for her return to the US Open, an event that holds significant personal meaning for her. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Navarro reflected on a “surreal” encounter with her idol, Serena Williams, while both were training in New York City. For Navarro, this experience marked a full-circle moment in her career.
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Since she was a child, Navarro admired Williams, who has won an incredible 23 Grand Slam singles titles. The admiration has now evolved into a professional reality for Navarro, who turned pro in 2022 after a successful collegiate tennis career at the University of Virginia. She described the chance to be in close proximity to her idol as somewhat dreamlike, sharing that they were even working out side by side.
“We were actually on the stationary bike next to each other,” Navarro recounted. “It was a little surreal because growing up, she was always the legend, the GOAT of women’s tennis.” Despite the fleeting moment, Navarro appreciated the significance of it all, and she expressed her desire to maintain a grounded perspective in light of Williams’s supportive remarks about her game.
Previously, Navarro has made noteworthy strides on the tennis circuit, having reached the semifinals of the US Open in 2022—her best Grand Slam performance to date. During her fourth-round match against fellow American Coco Gauff in the 2024 tournament, Williams provided analysis for ESPN and took the opportunity to shower Navarro with compliments.
“I like the variety in Emma’s game,” Williams noted. “She can come in, she has great hands, and she does everything so well.” Such endorsements from Williams, who retired from her illustrious career last year, resonate deeply with Navarro, who understands the importance of honing her skills to stand out in a competitive environment.
Williams, who has been celebrated for her remarkable achievements throughout her career—including six US Open titles—recently returned to the tennis world after a four-year hiatus. She teamed up with rising star Carlos Alcaraz in a mixed doubles match at the Flushing Meadows event and is slated to compete in women’s doubles alongside her sister, Venus Williams. This return has not gone unnoticed by Navarro, who expressed her admiration for Williams’s ability to balance motherhood and a professional sports career.
“I think it’s impressive to have a couple of kids and then come back to the tour,” Navarro commented. She also expressed curiosity about whether Williams would attempt to re-enter singles competitions, following her limited success at Wimbledon earlier this year.
As Navarro prepares for her own debut at this year’s US Open, she acknowledges feeling less pressure than excitement surrounding her upcoming matches. “I don’t really see it as putting more pressure on it,” she explained. “I’ll be in my prime when I’m ready to be in my prime.” With this mindset, she reflects on the lessons learned from previous tournaments, recognising that each match presents an opportunity to grow as a player.
Navigating the challenges of professional tennis, Navarro understands the importance of resilience and focus. She shared that, while she aspires to perform well, the outcome of a single match does not define her entire career. “There’s always another match to play—so that’ll be the next focus,” she stated.
With her first-round match having faced delays due to weather, Navarro opened her campaign against Lois Boisson, leading 7-6 (6), 4-2 before play was suspended. As she looks forward to the remainder of the tournament, Navarro is determined to continue refining her game and building upon her recent successes, all while cherishing the momentous encounters and invaluable experiences that come along the way.
In the face of challenges and excitement, Emma Navarro remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence—continuing to embody the qualities of a modern tennis professional while nurturing the dream that was once inspired by the incomparable Serena Williams. As this rising star steps onto center stage at the US Open, all eyes will undoubtedly be on her promising journey ahead.