(VIDEO) Emma Navarro unorthodoxly uses fan recommendation to return Jessica Pegula serve at The Garden Cup

Emma Navarro defeated Jessica Pegula 7-6, 7-5 to win The Garden Cup in a two match exhibition at the world famous Madison Square Garden which was transformed for the night into a tennis arena. The former though was in real exhibition mode getting fan help.

Navarro was born in New York albeit now resides in Charleston nowadays and made strides across the river in Queens this past summer reaching the semi-finals of the US Open albeit Pegula went further into a maiden major final.

But it was a good test for both with Navarro ending her season early after failing to qualify for the year end WTA Finals after being in pole position. This led to the rise of Zheng Qinwen who reached the final in Riyadh and perhaps usurped her in terms of credit in ending the season.

Read also

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Navarro prevail in The Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden

While Pegula had to withdraw from the WTA Finals midway through with Daria Kasatkina taking her spot as she struggled with injury. But both looked good as they start preparation for 2025.

Navarro though who is well known for her humorous side for those who follow her on social media brought that to the exhibition. She accused a Pegula fan hilariously of jinxing her. "He was cheering for Jess. He totally rigged me, which was a little cheap," Navarro told Tennis Channel.

She also asked a fan on the front row where to stand and return and it worked out in a magic moment for Navarro with some superb stretch backhands. Usually they get a child on court or a ball kid but Navarro used her own nouse to get the job done.

“Just so special to be here playing in this arena,” said Navarro after claiming the win. “It’s insane. We came to the Knicks game last night, now they have a tennis court.”

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe