‘She must be stopped’ – Tennis fans furious over Emma Navarro’s sudden decision after shock China Open defeat

Emma Navarro had a successful 2024 season, highlighted by appearances in the US Open semifinals and Wimbledon quarterfinals. Even though she didn’t win the title, her steady improvement was evident. However, her early exit from the China Open led to a controversial decision that discouraged some fans.

Following the surprise announcement of Simona Halep’s return to competitive tennis at Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125, organizers revealed that Emma Navarro will also take part. Despite the potential withdrawal of Zhang Shuai (who defeated Navarro in the first round of the China Ope), Michael Cheng Ming-git, head of the Hong Kong China Tennis Association, believes the line-up for the tournament, which begins on Monday at Victoria Park, is comparable or even better than some WTA 250 events.

“Usually a top 10 player doesn’t play [in any 125 events] so I am very happy that he will come to Hong Kong.” Cheng said. “Navarro went through college and did very well on tour; is an inspiration to the younger generation.”

Moreover, Peter Johnston, the association’s director of international events, described Navarro’s participation as “a major coup for the tournament.” “She arrived in the city last night and is looking forward to performing for the first time in Hong Kong.” he said. “Our fans will see the best of women’s tennis showcased at Victoria Park this week.” However, her participation in the tournament amazed tennis fans.

They are not in the conventional error as the best players are usually seen at the WTA 500 or WTA 1000 tournaments. Navarro’s name in the main draw has upset some tennis fans! In response to the above tweet, they sharply criticize the American star.

Tennis fans call Emma Navarro’s participation in the 2024 Hong Kong Open ’embarrassing’

A fan went to X to express his dissatisfaction with Navarro playing in a lower-ranking tournament. They said:

Explaining Halep and Navarro’s move, Cheng added: “Decisions like Simon’s [Halep] and Emma [Navarro] let’s show that we are prudent in our implementation and these are decisions that will move the dial in the process of consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a serious tennis destination on the international stage. There will be more [decisions] from us and these are decisions that attract the attention of a global audience.”

Another fan asked: “Top 10 can play for 125k but top 30 can’t play for 250? According to WTA regulations, if a player is accepted into a WTA 500 tournament, he cannot participate in a WTA 250 tournament if he is in the top 30. However, there is no mention of the fact that if only a WTA 125 player is in the tournament, the top players cannot participate in it.

So it is not a scam, but rather a convention of top players. They decide to give players lower in the table a chance to speed up preparations and rankings for the main draw. Moreover, Navarro’s last WTA 125 tournament took place in Paris in April. Before she was in the top ten rankings. That’s why another fan somewhere accused her: “Taking space for those who need it more.“

Although the rules are sorted, some fans claim that: – No, it’s really embarrassing. world No. 8… Why? This season, Navarro has already played in two WTA 125 tournaments in Paris and this will be her third WTA 125 tournament this season. During the clay season, she reached the quarterfinals of the Catalonia Open WTA 125 in Lleida, Spain, and the final at the Trophée Clarins in Paris, France. That’s why Navarro seems more confident than nervous. And there’s nothing wrong with scoring a few points in a tournament.

Meanwhile, some fans thought that Emma Navarro simply came to Hong Kong “Free food and accommodation while waiting for the next tournament. This is how the rich get richer.” Contrary to some speculations, Emma Navarro’s participation in the tournament is not motivated solely by financial benefits. Her father is worth over a billion dollars, which provides her with ample resources.

What’s more, it didn’t end there. Another shocker was the rebuke from tennis fans who stated: “My distaste for class returned. Are you kidding me, Navarro? What are you doing in the 125 tournament? Let the players below you score points.“

While it is highly unusual for top ten players to play at WTA 125, this does not seem to be possible for Emma Navarro as she only cares about practicing more and winning tournaments.