Emma Navarro's billionaire father Ben can't stop smiling as daughter recalls childhood 'biking and crying' adventures at Australian Open

Emma Navarro has advanced to the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open after a hard-fought win over Ons Jabeur. The American enjoyed the support of her father Ben during the closely contested battle and later acknowledged his role in preparing her for such challenging matches.

Navarro made a strong start to her highly anticipated clash against the Tunisian, winning the opening set 6-4. Although Jabeur battled back to clinch the second set and force a decider, the World No. 8 held her nerve to claim a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory and advanced to the fourth round of the Melbourne Slam for the first time in her career.

With her win, Emma Navarro improved her impressive winning record in three-set matches to 23-9 since the beginning of 2024. When asked about her ability to thrive in such thrillers, the 23-year-old attributed her resilience to her father Ben, recalling how he "dragged" her and her three siblings on long bike rides and hikes.

Although the World No. 8 candidly recounted the struggles of their "biking and crying" adventures, she credited her father for teaching her important lessons about mental toughness during her childhood.

"My dad used to drag my siblings and I, I have three siblings, and he used to drag us on a lot of really long bike rides, a lot of really long hikes," Navarro said

"We made a term 'biking and crying,' because we'd be six hours in, we'd all have tears in our eyes and just exhausted, trying to pedal up a hill, and it feels like your bike's going to roll back down backwards. So, I think I learned a lot of toughness growing up and that's a lot thanks to him," she added.

Emma Navarro's father, who was present in her player's box, listened to the 23-year-old recall the fond childhood memories with a beaming smile on his face.

Ben Navarro, who is the founder of the Sherman Financial Group and owner of the tennis tournaments in Charleston and Cincinnati, is worth $1.5 billion (according to Forbes). Emma Navarro has often credited her father for his invaluable role in her success, previously disclosing that he "saw a vision from the time she was really young."

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Emma Navarro to lock horns with Daria Kasatkina in Australian Open 4R

Emma Navarro at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Following her win over Ons Jabeur, Emma Navarro will face ninth seed Daria Kasatkina in the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Russian triumphed over Yulia Puntintseva 7-5, 6-1 to set up the blockbuster meeting.

The winner of the match between the American and Kastakina will face second seed Iga Swiatek or Eva Lys in the quarterfinals of the Melbourne Slam, followed by a potential semifinal clash with Elena Rybakina or Danielle Collins.

Navarro is aiming to win her maiden Grand Slam title at this year's Australian Open. The World No. 8 achieved her best result at a Major during her campaign at the 2024 US Open, making a run to the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.