Emma Navarro has now become the player with the most number of wins (18) in 2024. How does she feel after getting so much attention from the media and her fans over the last few days? Well, the 22-year-old American tennis player says it’s ‘unnatural’ while assuring that she’ll definitely try getting used to this now. However, those who have seen her on the court against big players like Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka could hardly relate to this.

Navarro’s composure and discipline have been her biggest weapons during her recent triumphs at the bigger stages of the game. Recently, during the post-match interview, she was asked if she felt this discipline was already in her, or has she discovered it time after time and match after match.

‘The same challenge as improving my forehand ‘ -Emma Navarro after her emphatic victory over Aryna Sabalenka

Navarro didn’t have the experience of facing big players like Sabalenka and Rybakina earlier in her career. But still, she looked quite calm and composed, facing the stars of the game. What is the secret behind it? Here’s what the rising star had to say about that. “Yeah, it’s always kind of interesting to see how I feel once I step on the court against opponents like Rybakina or Sabalenka. They are just, I guess, more experienced than I am and have played on these stages more than I have,” said Emma Navarro.

The 22YO tennis player loves to challenge herself day in and day out. She revealed that playing against a big opponent on a bigger stage is “The same challenge as improving my forehand or improving my backhand.” It’s something that keeps her motivated to play and helps her improve her game.

Navarro stated, “I always step on the court believing that I have a chance to win, and it’s always my priority to just put my best foot forward.” Let’s now have a look at her journey so far.

READ MORE: Indian Wells: Breakthrough Star Emma Navarro Narrates Heart-Warming Tribute to Grand Mother After Scripting History

Emma Navarro made her WTA main draw debut in 2019 and turned pro three years later. Last year, she played 88 singles matches across all levels traveling worldwide in 29 tournaments. On Wednesday, she faced Aryna Sabalenka for the first time in her career and defeated her by 6-3,3-6,6-2. How does she look at her journey so far as a tennis player?

‘I’m not a world-class athlete’ – Navarro

Emma Navarro had earlier revealed how matches felt like a life or death-like situation for much of her career. But now she’s slowly trying to bring down her anxiety levels. Talking about her journey so far, Emma Navarro said, “I dedicated a ton of my time to tennis, but there were other parts of my life, so I never, considered myself to be a tennis player, solely.”

She further added, “And I saw the best players in the world as just tennis players, nothing else. They’re kind of these untouchable sort of figures that I would never be able to compete with because I’m just Emma. I’m not a world-class athlete.”

She believes that she’s still a “work in progress” but she’s quite happy to see her name on the list of Top 30 in the world and compete against some of the best players of the sport. How far do you think Emma Navarro will be able to go at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open?

Watch This Story: Bonafide Fitness Buff Serena Williams Reveals Major Nostalgia That Keeps Her Pumped Up In The Gym