Strasbourg champ Emma Navarro emerges as a French Open contender

Before this week, no one was talking about American tennis player Emma Navarro being a contender at this year’s French Open.

With an outstanding week of play, a maiden clay court title, and wins over solid players like Iva Jovic, Shuai Zhang, Ann Li, and Victoria Mboko, she is now in the conversation.

Navarro beat Mboko with a level-headed approach and a lot of variety in her game. Even after match point was over, there was no visible jubilation, jumping, or screaming. It looked more like an emotional release and relief.

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Navarro sheds tears with her family and team

Navarro has not shared what her specific health issues have been over the past year. She does not owe us that information.

In the celebratory moments with her family and team immediately after the win, we sense that it has been challenging and difficult for all of them. Her appearance in the final was so significant that her dad flew overnight from the US to be there for it.

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The confidence earned from the Strasbourg win can only elevate her game at Roland Garros. She is in Aryna Sabalenka’s section of the draw. Ironically, Navarro could meet Jovic in the second round if each player wins her first round match. (Iva Jovic vs. Alex Eala and Navarro vs. Janice Tjen).

If you weren’t a Navarro fan before, you just might be now. She celebrated her 25th birthday on May 18, has been through an ordeal, and is coming out the other side by working hard on her game. Everything about the way she carried herself and handled the week has been admirable.