Emma Navarro is one of the most understated players in tennis today, always having a quiet demeanor during and after her matches. That could partially explain why her achievements so far this season have gone slightly under the radar. The 23-year-old reached the Top 20 for the first time in March after an excellent start to the season. That means 2024 has already been a breakthrough season for Navarro. However, she is yet to have a very deep run at a Grand Slam. Could the 2024 French Open be where she changes that?
Emma Navarro Poised for Major Breakthrough Through at French Open
Navarro’s Progress So Far This Season
The American made the ideal start to 2024 in Australia. After reaching the semifinal of the ASB Classic, Navarro claimed a maiden WTA title in Hobart. Her 6-1 4-6 7-5 final victory against Elise Mertens was one of the most dramatic WTA finals of the season so far. She backed that achievement up by reaching the third-round of a Grand Slam for the first time at the Australian Open.
After falling to 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16 at the Qatar Open, Navarro had a strong North American hard court season. She started by progressing to the the semifinal of the San Diego Open, losing to the eventual champion Katie Boulter. That was followed by making her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Indian Wells, which included wins against Elina Svitolina and two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka. Navarro ended the North American swing with another solid run to the Round of 16 at the Miami Open.
A slower start to the clay-court season followed. Navarro managed two wins in total in her appearances in Charleston, Madrid and Rome. She then found some form at the WTA 125 tournament in Paris, finishing as the runner-up to Diana Shnaider. Navarro’s final event before the French Open begins was in Strasbourg. She exited in the second-round to Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Why Navarro Could Make Deep Run at the French Open
Although Navarro’s biggest successes so far this year have been on hard courts, the American has proven she is comfortable on clay in the past. Eight of her 11 finals on the ITF Circuit and both her WTA Challenger finals came on the dirt. Her performances on clay were the biggest reason she initially entered the Top 100, before climbing the rankings even further.
A strong argument can be made that clay naturally suits Navarro’s playing style the most. Her heavy topspin forehand is a perfect match for clay. Navarro is one of the most adept at creating angles with that shot, which is a particularly useful weapon on the dirt. The 23-year-old is also one of the fittest and best defensive players in the women’s game. If Navarro does not feel she can hit through any of her opponents on clay, she is capable of hanging in and grinding out results. That fitness will help her stay the course if she does make a deep run at the French Open.
There are many excellent WTA clay-court players, meaning that a breakthrough at the French Open is tough to achieve. However, Navarro doing just that is certainly not impossible. Her recent progress has been outstanding and she will be a tough test for anyone at her very best. Going somewhat under the radar before the tournament starts might also suit her quiet and relaxed personality.
Main Photo Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
