“We grew up but then we kind of split”- Coco Gauff opens up on her bond with Emma Navarro & her billionaire family ahead of Wimbledon 4R clash

Coco Gauff recently opened up about her bond with Emma Navarro and her billionaire family ahead of their fourth round clash at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. This encounter will be their first meeting since facing off in the semifinals of the 2024 ASB Classic.

Gauff is seeded second at the Grasscourt Major and she kicked off her campaign by defeating compatriot Caroline Dolehide 6-1, 6-2, and qualifier Anca Todoni 6-2, 6-1 in the first and second rounds, respectively. Most recently, the World No.2 overcame British qualifier Sonay Kartal 6-4, 6-0 in just 61 minutes to secure her place in the fourth round, where she will face 19th seed Emma Navarro.

During her post-match press conference following her win over Kartal, Coco Gauff spoke about her upcoming match against Navarro. She mentioned that she has known Navarro since they were children and had played together at the USTA level. Gauff also recalled their semifinal match at the 2024 ASB Classic and she described Navarro as a “tough opponent.”

“She’s great. I’ve known her since I was young, basically since I started tennis. We used to play I think we played once in juniors, not even ITF level, I think it was USTA level. So that’s like a long time ago. Then I played her this year in Auckland and she’s a tough opponent. I always knew just watching her play,” Gauff said [2:09].

Coco Gauff stated that she always knew that Navarro’s game would translate well on tour and that she is an “all-court” player. She acknowledged that facing Navarro in the upcoming match at Wimbledon would be tough, as the World No. 17 has had impressive performances in the tournament.

“A lot of people think her ranking is a surprise but just growing up with her I always knew she was very talented and knew her game would translate well on tour. I think she has a very all-court game and playing her is going to be a tough match. She’s had some good wins this tournament so I don’t expect it to be easy,” she added [2:30].

While discussing their bond, Coco Gauff mentioned that she and Emma Navarro are friendly but not close friends, as they spilt when Navarro pursued college. Gauff also complimented the Navarro family as “nice.” Navarro’s father, Ben, is an American billionaire involved in finance and tennis ventures.

“Relationship wise we’re very friendly with each other, I wouldn’t say we’re like close friends just because we grew up (together) but then we kind of split cuz she went to college,” Gauff said [2:50].

Coco Gauff also stated that she is excited to be playing alongside Emma Navarro at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“We’re always very friendly with each other and I’m super excited to be on the same Olympic team with her. She’s a very very nice person, her family is nice. So I’m very excited to be able to play against her and then play on the same team as her and in the Olympics,” she added [2:59].