Unseeded after taking time to address health challenges during an ongoing “rocky” period, Navarro came into the clay-court major on the back of winning the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg. During that run, the former world No. 8 defeated Jovic in three sets.
“This is a really tough one. As a seed, for a second round, Emma was Top 10 six months ago. Obviously she’s back playing at that level,” commented Jovic.
“I know personally how well she’s playing right now. It wasn’t a bad match from my end, but a little too good from her. I need to make a couple adjustments. I’m ready for a battle—two, three, four hours, however long it takes.”
Navarro kept the training rolling in dismissing Janice Tjen, 6-4, 6-3, also benefiting from a first-on start with temperatures crossing the 90-degree mark by the afternoon.
“It feels good to get a two-set win. Feels even better to be on the Tennis Channel desk!” smiled Navarro. “I had fun out there today.”
