"What a greedy vulture"; "That's how rich get richer" - Fans slam Emma Navarro as World No. 8 signs up for WTA 125 tournament after China Open exit
Emma Navarro has signed up for a WTA 125 event in Hong Kong, starting Tuesday, October 1. The World No. 8's decision to play in a lower-tier tournament has sparked reactions from tennis fans, many of whom criticized her choice.
Navarro has had one of the best seasons of her career so far in 2024. She won her maiden tour-level title, advanced to a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time at the US Open, and broke into the top 10 rankings.
The American competed at the China Open as the sixth seed, following her strong run at the New York Major. However, her campaign came to an early end as she crashed out in the second round, losing 4-6, 2-6 to home favorite Zheng Shuai.
Following her Beijing setback, Emma Navarro took to Instagram Stories to announce her participation in the WTA 125 event in Hong Kong, where she will kick off her campaign against Viktorija Golubic.
"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," she said.
Tennis fans have voiced their disapproval on X (formerly Twitter) regarding Navarro's decision. One user suggested that her participation may have prevented some lower-ranked players from having their chance, writing:
"Taking a spot from those who need it more."
"Top 10 player playing WTA 125…. what a shameless vulture," another wrote.
One account posted:
"Free food and accommodation while waiting for the next tournament. That's how the rich get richer."
"Nah this is genuinely embarrassing. World No. 8," one user tweeted.
"Emma Navarro is so greedy it's not even funny," another chimed in.
One account commented:
"HOW IS TOP 10 PLAYER ALLOWED TO PLAY 125???? Top 10 players can’t even play 250s yet this girl somehow found a way to scam a spot even with rules in place… she needs to be stopped."
Emma Navarro participates in 3rd WTA 125 tournament of 2024 in Hong Kong
Emma Navarro's participation in the upcoming WTA 125 tournament in Hong Kong won't be her first this season; it's her third.
Following her exit from the Madrid Open, where she lost to Beatriz Haddad Maia, Navarro participated in the Catalonia Open but had to give a walkover in the quarterfinals against Mayar Sheriff.
The American then competed in an event in Paris later that month, where she had a strong run and reached the final. However, she ultimately fell short against Diana Shnaider, losing the match in a closely contested three sets.