It was here where she made her WTA debut as an 18-year-old wildcard, falling in straight sets to Laura Siegemund. Navarro then opted to go to college, and would go on to play tennis for University of Virginia and make a name for herself in becoming the 2022 NCAA champion before joining the pro tour.
Now the 11th ranked player in the world, Navarro says her rapid rise has been a ‘learning experience’—and the lessons have been a bit unexpected.
“So many super niche tennis lessons, like physical things,” she explained. “Just the things I’m learning about myself and how I have to play, and how other players play…
“Off the court, or in a more philosophical sense, I’ve ‘learned how to lose,’ for sure. I’ve learned how to win, as well, and how to manage stress, travel, and the ups and downs that come with tour life.
“I think I’ve also learned that there’s so much more to learn. I’m buckled up for a lot more lessons along the way.”
