Emma Navarro appears to have turned her form around at the perfect time.
The American star had lost five of her last six matches heading into the US Open, but has quelled any doubts by defeating her first two opponents in resounding fashion.
In the first round, Navarro came through a tough contest against China’s Wang Yafan, winning 7-6 6-3. She followed up this result by demolishing compatriot Caty McNally, 6-2 6-1.
Navarro, seeded 10th at the tournament, will be hoping to go two steps further at the 2025 US Open after reaching the semi-final stage in 2024.
After her victory over McNally, Navarro was asked to pinpoint the strongest shot she has ever faced on the WTA Tour, and she picked out a fellow American as having a shot that is ‘up there.’
Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesEmma Navarro pinpoints Amanda Anisimova’s backhand as one of the most effective on the WTA Tour
Navarro has faced almost every great current player on the WTA Tour. Now a recognised figure amongst the WTA top 10, she can be considered an authority on her opponent’s skills and shotmaking ability.
Navarro has faced Iga Swiatek’s monstrous forehand, Aryna Sabalenka’s powerful serve and Coco Gauff’s imperious backhand.
However, when asked to pick the strongest shot she’s ever faced, Navarro pinpointed another player as having one of the most effective shots on tour.
Navarro said: “The best shot I’ve ever faced… that’s a tough question.
“I think what comes to mind is the Anisimova backhand. I don’t know if that’s the toughest, but it’s definitely up there I think.
“Yeah, that shot’s one of the most natural and powerful, and effective shots on the tour, and when she’s hitting it well, it’s really hard to play against.”
Emma Navarro has never beaten Amanda Anisimova on the WTA Tour
Emma Navarro’s record against Amanda Anisimova is far from positive.
The Americans have faced off four times on the WTA Tour, with Anisimova claiming victory on every occasion.
The pair first met in the first round of Indian Wells in 2022. Anisimova dominated the contest, winning 6-2 6-2.
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images for LTA
Over two years later, they met again at the Canadian Open. The match was closer, but again Anisimova won, 6-3 2-6 6-2.
Navarro and Anisimova have played two more times, both in 2025.
At the Charleston Open, Anisimova won a close contest 7-5 7-6. In their last meeting at the Queen’s Club Championships, Anisimova won in straight sets, 6-3 6-3.
At the US Open, Navarro is set to play two-time Grand Slam singles champion Barbora Krejcikova in the third round. Anisimova is yet to play her second-round match against Australian youngster Maya Joint.