We thought about playing this challenger too if a first round loss in Beijing. These 1000s over two weeks can mean a long wait until next tournament. Playing the 125 is smart.
Pam Shriver believes Emma Navarro's decision to play in a WTA 125 tournament in Hong Kong is a "smart" decision
WTATuesday, 01 October 2024 at 03:30
Following her early exit at the 2024 China Open, tennis star Emma Navarro announced she would be competing at a WTA 125 tournament in Hong Kong. Although the American has received criticism for this decision, former player Pam Shriver believes this is the "smart" move to make at this time.
Navarro was impressive during her North American hardcourt swing, during which she reached the semifinals of the Canadian Open and then the US Open. However, the 23-year old struggled in her first match following her Flushing Meadows appearance, where she lost in the first round to local favorite Zhang Shuai in Beijing.
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Fans upset at Navarro playing in smaller event, Shriver comes to her defense
Soon after her loss, Navarro revealed she would be competing at a WTA 125 tournament in Hong Kong.
"Hey, guys. Emma Navarro here. Just wanted you to know I am gonna be playing at the 125 here in Hong Kong next week. Really excited to be here and hopefully gonna see this city a little bit and play some great tennis so looking forward to see you guys there," wrote Navarro in an Instagram story.
The news was received with mixed results, as certain fans speculated her participation would prevent other lower-ranked players from competing at the Challenger-level event.
"Can someone explain to me how Emma Navarro, currently the 8th best player on the women’s tennis tour, is a top seed at a Challenger level (below top tier) tournament in Hong Kong next week?" asked tennis podcaster Myles David on Twitter.
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However, Pam Shriver, who coaches WTA star Donna Vekic, was quick to defend the World No.8. The retired pro stated Navarro was employing a smart strategy in order to avoid facing a long gap before the next WTA 1000 tournament in Asia.
"We thought about playing this challenger too if a first-round loss in Beijing. These 1000s over two weeks can mean a long wait until next tournament. Playing the 125 is smart," responded Shriver.
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