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Navarro: Under the Radar is My Game Plan
5 Jan
Summary
- Emma Navarro prefers staying out of the spotlight despite higher-ranked peers.
- Andy Roddick believes expectations affected Navarro's 2025 performance.
- Navarro seeks a strong 2026 season, starting at the ASB Classic.
American tennis player Emma Navarro, currently ranked No. 15 heading into 2026, expressed contentment with staying out of the spotlight. She stated that being underestimated is fine, as she prefers to focus on her game, unlike peers Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova who are ranked higher. Navarro’s 2024 season included a US Open semifinal appearance and a ranking within the top 10.
However, her 2025 season saw a drop in performance, with early exits in several tournaments and a finish outside the top 10. Former US Open champion Andy Roddick suggested that the pressure of expectations after her breakout 2024 season might have contributed to her 2025 struggles. He noted that transitioning from an underdog to a favorite presents new challenges.
Despite the inconsistencies of 2025, Navarro is beginning her 2026 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She aims to recapture the form that propelled her into the top ranks, with Roddick believing her smart approach to the game will help her regain momentum.
