"My dad knew I was a bit ADHD" - Emma Navarro credits billionaire father Ben's 'vision' for her journey into US Open SF

Emma Navarro gave heartfelt thanks to her father after reaching her maiden Grand Slam semifinals at the 2024 US Open. The American ousted Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5 in just an hour and 12 minutes.

Navarro, who has been having a breakthrough year, has added yet another milestone to her young career. She kicked off her campaign at Flushing Meadows by comfortably defeating Anna Blinkova and Arantxa Rus in the opening two rounds. The 23-year-old then ousted 19th seed Marta Kostyuk and followed it up with an impressive performance to take out defending champion Coco Gauff.

The American then defeated 26th seed Badosa to reach the final four for the first time in her career. She won six games in a row in the second set from 1-5 down to clinch it 7-5.

During her on-court interview, Emma Navarro thanked her father, Ben, owner of Credit One Bank, for seeing a vision in her at a very young age. Navarro said that her father knew that she was a bit 'ADHD' to be sitting in a classroom or pull off a nine-to-five job and hence sent her on a journey to become a professional tennis player, for which she was grateful.

“I wanna also thank my dad, Emma said. "I think he saw a vision from the time I was really young. He knew maybe I was a bit ADHD or something to be a sitting in a class room or a 9 to 5. He saw something in me from a young age. So thanks dad for sending me on this journey.”

"It means so much to me" - Emma Navarro gives a shoutout to her coach after US Open 2024 QF win

Emma Navarro (Image Source: Getty)

Emma Navarro thanked her coach Peter Ayers after reaching the semifinals of the 2024 US Open. She mentioned how they had been together for eight years and had done a lot of amazing work together.

She thanked Ayers for the dedication and efforts he had put in order to make her the player she is today.

“It means so much to me. My coach and I have been together since I was 14 or 15. It’s been 8 years now. We’ve done a lot of great work together. Thank you for everything you do, your dedication, all the time you put into this journey, and making me into the player I am.”

Emma Navarro will play the winner of the match between second-seed Aryna Sabalenka and seventh-seed Zheng Qinwen in the last four.