Emma Navarro has not been spoken about as much as some of her American compatriots.
Navarro had a breakout season in 2024, having broken into the top 10 after reaching the US Open semifinals and winning her first WTA title.
While she was able to add to her WTA trophy collection, Navarro was unable to maintain the same consistency and subsequently ended the season as the world number 15.
As a result, Navarro was overshadowed by other American players including Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
Emma Navarro explains how she feels about being ‘under the radar’
Navarro will look to return to the top 10 of the WTA rankings in 2026, where she will begin her season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
When speaking to The New Zealand Herald ahead of her first tournament of the year, Navarro was asked about whether she is bothered by being overshadowed by her American compatriots.
While many would be, Navarro actually revealed that she prefers it to be this way and suggested that she likes to prove people wrong.
“It doesn’t bother me at all,” said Navarro. “If I can stay under the radar, that’s where I’d like to be.
“I’m not one to seek the spotlight for long, and if people underestimate me as a player, that’s fine. They’re more than welcome to do so, and I’ll just keep doing my thing.”
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Emma Navarro reveals what she told herself after a mixed 2025 season
Navarro was then asked to reflect on her 2025 season, which she admitted was a lot tougher for her than 2024.
However, the 24-year-old explained that she reminded herself not to underestimate the challenges of being a professional tennis player at the very top of the WTA Tour.
“Without a doubt, 2025 was full of ups and downs,” said Navarro. “It’s often said that the second season as a professional is the hardest, and perhaps that was somewhat the case for me.
“I have to remind myself not to overlook or underestimate the challenge that all of this entails; it’s really tough, and many of the girls are really good.
“That’s how professional sports are, and that’s how the circuit is… it’s not easy, there’s a lot of travel, there’s pressure, there are expectations, you’re far from your family. I’m always learning and I feel like the level keeps rising.”
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Navarro will begin her season in Auckland, where she is making just her second appearance after reaching the semifinals in 2024.
As the second seed, Navarro will take on British player Fran Jones on Monday, January 5.
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