Emma Navarro confronted Qinwen Zheng about her on-court behavior following their match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The two faced off in the third round, each having won their previous matches with relative ease. Both players aimed to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Navarro took the first set 9-7 in a tie-break after an hour and seven minutes. Zheng responded by winning the second set 7-4 in another tie-break, saving a match point in the process. The third set was less competitive, with Zheng dominating to win the match 6-7(9), 7-6(4), 6-1 in three hours and 12 minutes, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Following her victory at the 2024 Palermo Open, Zheng extended her winning streak to eight matches. However, her comeback was overshadowed by an extended post-match handshake with Navarro. Though they appeared to converse amicably, Navarro later revealed that the conversation was tense.
Navarro expressed her disapproval of Zheng’s competitive style. “I told her I didn’t respect her as a competitor. I think she goes about things in a pretty cut-throat way, making for a locker room that lacks camaraderie.”
Navarro continued, “It’s tough to face an opponent like that, who I really don’t respect. But, kudos to her. She played some good tennis at the end. She played better than me, so congrats to her.”
When asked about the incident, Zheng acknowledged Navarro’s comments but was puzzled by them. The 21-year-old stated she would appreciate it if Navarro explained what she found objectionable so she could improve her behavior.
“She told me she doesn’t know how I have a lot of fans. If she’s not happy with my behavior, she can come and tell me. I would like to correct it to become a better player and a better person. I’m glad that she told me that. I will not consider it an attack because she lost the match.”
While Navarro now watches the Olympics as a spectator, Zheng continues her journey in the quarter-finals, where she will face former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber for a spot in the semi-finals.
