Emma Navarro Discusses Tense Moment with Zheng Qinwen Ahead of Potential US Open 2024 Semifinal Clash
Emma Navarro, who is usually recognized for her composed manner when playing tennis, recently shared details of the intense conversation she had with Zheng Qinwen at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Given that both players could play each other in the US Open quarterfinals later this week, this altercation has gained attention.
The American, ranked fourteenth, talked about the viral moment from Paris where, according to Zheng, “[Navarro] told me she doesn’t know how I have a lot of fans” on Tuesday at the US Open.
Zheng had just defeated Navarro 6-7 (7), 7-6 (4), 6-1, after behind by a set. However, Navarro said her comments weren’t spoken on the fly of the moment when she spoke to the Olympic media after making it to the US Open quarterfinals. She later called Zheng “cut-throat.”
After making it to her first Grand Slam semifinal at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, she remembered, “I felt that way the whole match.” “I probably would have said the same thing even if I had won.”
Fresh from defeating former world No. 2 Paula Badosa in straight sets, Navarro hinted earlier in the press conference that she and Zheng had a history from their time competing in major junior tournaments. They had played three times at major events: twice in 2018 at the Eddie Herr International Junior Championships and the Orange Bowl, and once in 2019 at Roland Garros.
She said, “I don’t want to get too technical with it.” However, I believe that she slightly insulted me throughout that match as well as the previous few times I played her and on the practice court.
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t want to get into too much information. However, I believe that she didn’t always treat the sport or me with dignity. That’s the reason behind my post-match remarks. But yes, that is all.
If Zheng, the No. 7 seed who went on to win gold at the Olympics in Paris, wins No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka in their quarterfinal on Tuesday night, then Navarro and Zheng might play in the US Open semifinals on Thursday.
Zheng stated at the time that she would not take Navarro’s remarks personally and that she would like to discuss their apparent problems in private. Navarro acknowledged that since the Olympics, they had not communicated.
You know, it might simply be the viewpoint of one individual. Yes, it wasn’t a dramatic breakdown. It was simply an issue of factual feelings on my part. Zheng has a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head at the tour level, but they have only played twice on clay.
