Navarro credits father for toughness after Australian Open win

Emma Navarro advances to the last 16 with a three-set victory over Ons Jabeur.

Emma Navarro of the United States signs autographs for fans after defeating Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in the Women's Singles Third Round match on day seven of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Widya Lestari

Emma Navarro credited her father for instilling resilience after battling past Ons Jabeur in a three-set thriller to secure a spot in the Australian Open last 16. The 23-year-old American eighth seed triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena, her third consecutive match to go the distance in Melbourne.

Navarro, who will face either ninth-seeded Daria Kasatkina or 24th-seeded Yulia Putintseva in the next round, has developed a reputation as a three-set specialist. Since the start of 2024, no WTA player has contested more three-set matches than Navarro, who boasts an impressive 23-9 record in such encounters.

"I love three sets," Navarro joked in her post-match interview. "I love tennis so much I can't resist—I’ve got to play three sets."

Navarro, the daughter of billionaire businessman Ben Navarro, credited her father for shaping her mental toughness. Ben Navarro, the founder of Sherman Financial Group, was courtside to witness his daughter’s hard-fought victory.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Navarro shared a unique family tradition that contributed to her stamina.

"My dad would take me and my siblings on six-hour bike rides when we were kids," she said. "We made up a term: biking and crying. I learned a lot of toughness growing up. A lot of thanks goes to him."

Her resilience was evident on the court as she clawed her way through another marathon match, overcoming moments of fragility to prevail.

Struggles and triumphs against Jabeur

Emma Navarro (right) of the United States is embraced by Ons Jabeur (left) of Tunisia after winning their Women's Singles Third Round match on day seven of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Navarro’s clash with Jabeur was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. In the first set, Navarro raced to a 5-0 lead but faltered as Jabeur clawed back four consecutive games. Despite the scare, Navarro held on to close out the set.

The second set saw Jabeur elevate her game, breaking Navarro twice early on. The Tunisian dazzled with a series of well-placed drop shots, eventually leveling the match by taking the set 6-3.

In the deciding set, Navarro’s resilience shone through. She fended off three break points in the third game before breaking Jabeur for a 3-2 lead. Maintaining her composure, Navarro sealed the victory after nearly two hours of intense play.

"I started well, but then she played a great four games and a really good second set," Navarro said. "I just tried to keep working, keep doing my thing, and hope that I would have my chance."

With her victory over Jabeur, Navarro’s path to the quarter-finals remains challenging. Either Daria Kasatkina or Yulia Putintseva will be her next opponent, both presenting distinct challenges on the court.

Navarro’s growing confidence and her ability to thrive in three-set matches could prove pivotal as the tournament progresses.

A growing reputation

Navarro’s journey in Melbourne has further solidified her reputation as one of the WTA Tour’s toughest competitors. Her knack for thriving in marathon matches has become a defining feature of her game, reflecting the mental and physical toughness she credits to her upbringing.

Emma Navarro of the United States hits a forehand against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia during their Women's Singles Third Round match on day seven of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images

As Navarro continues her campaign, her father’s lessons in resilience remain a cornerstone of her success. Whether biking and crying as a child or grinding through three-set battles on the world stage, Emma Navarro’s journey is one of determination, grit, and a love for the game.

With the Australian Open heating up, all eyes are now on Navarro as she aims to extend her run and secure her first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.