Charleston, SC — American tennis sensation Emma Navarro is relishing the challenge of her next match against compatriot Amanda Anisimova at the Charleston Open.
Navarro is displaying not just great form but also a degree of poise and passion that is a testament to her increasing confidence on the WTA Tour as the tournament gets hot.
Following her recent victory on home ground, Navarro was looking forward to her next challenge with enthusiasm and a well-thought-out game plan.
After talking to the fans after her game, she said, “I’m excited. She plays a really big game. Strong serve. Strong from the baseline. I’ll try to push back against that. Excited to come out here & play in front of you guys again. It’s been a blast. Let’s keep it rolling.
Anisimova, with her powerful baseline game, and aggressive style of play, is a strong test. The 22-year-old has long been considered the most naturally gifted player on tour, and she’s still getting back into her groove after a break in 2023.
Her presence dictating points with deep groundstrokes and a potent serve makes her a tough opponent on any surface.
Navarro, though, is fast establishing herself as a formidable opponent with great court coverage, intelligent shot choice, and an even temperament under duress.
The 22-year-old Charlestonian, who played university tennis at the University of Virginia, is especially at ease competing in front of a hometown crowd. That comfort level has translated into solid play all tournament.
This should be an interesting clash of styles. Navarro’s consistency and capacity to swallow up pace will be tested against Anisimova’s baseline tennis.
Navarro’s key will probably be her return of serve and capacity to break Anisimova’s rhythm in the early part of rallies. If she can get points out long and take the match into rallies of longer length, Navarro’s prospects are greatly enhanced.
The crowd in Charleston has been behind Navarro all week, pumping up her matches and making each win all the sweeter. The bond she has developed with the city and the tournament this week has been a huge narrative, and going up against a big-name opponent like Anisimova just heightens the anticipation.
This all-American encounter is one of the most highly anticipated games of the next round. With both players playing well and hungry to make a deep tournament run, fans are in for a high-quality war replete with intensity, shot-making, and momentum shifts.
Whether it’s Anisimova’s strength or Navarro’s grit that ends up winning out, this battle is the best of the new generation of American women’s tennis. For Navarro, it’s another opportunity to show she’s among the game’s best — and to do so in front of a home crowd that’s squarely behind her.