Emma Navarro pushes back on “billionaire daughter” label, eyes WTA Top 10 in 2026

American tennis star Emma Navarro is ready to make her mark in 2026, on her own terms. The 24-year-old, daughter of billionaire investor Ben Navarro, spoke candidly to the NZ Herald about handling fame, family, and the pressures of professional tennis.

“It’s great that my dad has done amazing things, and I learn a lot from him,” Navarro said. “But I don’t like being labeled as someone who got everything handed to her. Growing up, we learned toughness and work ethic. Tennis was a priority, and we earned everything the hard way.”

Navarro’s father, CEO of Sherman Financial Group with a net worth of $3.2 billion, has long supported her career from the stands, often sharing life lessons and the motto “never give up.” Despite the spotlight that comes with her family name, Navarro prefers to stay under the radar and prove herself on court.

“I don’t mind being underestimated,” she said. “I’d rather stay under the radar and just do my thing. It motivates me to work harder.”

Navarro burst into the WTA top 10 in 2024 after reaching the US Open semifinals and capturing her first WTA title, but a mixed 2025 season saw her finish the year at world No. 15. “2025 had its ups and downs,” she admitted. “The tour is tough, travel, pressure, expectations, it’s relentless. But it keeps me learning and growing.”

She kicks off 2026 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, where she will be the second seed facing Britain’s Fran Jones on January 5. Navarro is determined to return to the top 10 and continue carving out her own legacy, independent of her famous family name.

“Being a professional tennis player isn’t easy,” she said. “But I know exactly where I need to be, and I’m ready to keep fighting for it.”

Web Desk