"I do not want to be on Lindsay’s bad side": Andy Roddick takes back criticism of Emma Navarro's rapping skills after receiving sudden text
WTA
Andy
Roddick revealed that he received a message from Lindsay Davenport after he
commented on Emma Navarro's 'rap game'. The 22-year-old American tennis player
has quickly made a name for herself in the elite tennis world with her first
title earlier this year at the Hobart Open and strong performances in major
tournaments.
Recently,
in the Sunshine Double, she reached the quarterfinals of Indian Wells
(including victories over Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka) and then the
round of 16 at the Miami Open, with a win over Jasmine Paolini along the way.
Navarro has been one of the best risers on the WTA Tour, starting the 2023
season at No. 149 and finishing as world No. 32, and a couple of weeks ago she
reached the top 20.
She is
currently the American No. 3 behind Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Therefore,
she was selected by Lindsay Davenport, captain of the United States Billie Jean
King Cup team, to represent her country. With Gauff absent, Pegula took on the
role of first singles player, and Navarro became the second, making this her
first appearance in the team tournament.
Emma Navarro captured her first WTA title at the 2024 Hobart International
Navarro was
asked to follow the tradition that every American rookie must write and then
deliver a rap. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick commented on Tennis Channel that
he wasn't very impressed with Navarro's rap, which prompted a strong reaction
from captain Davenport in a joking manner: "I got a text this morning
saying, 'don't you dare make fun of Emma Navarro's rap game," Andy Roddick
commented.
"Message
heard loud and clear saying I was harsh, I like the tennis game more than
rapping. Take it back, I like all the rapping, I would buy all the albums. I do
not want to be on Lindsay's bad side, I've avoided it for many years," he
added.
Emma
Navarro played her first match for the American team on April 12th and came
back from a set down to defeat Belgian player Hanne Bandewinkel 4-6, 6-4, 6-3,
giving USA a 2-0 lead in the series.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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