A Chess Match-like encounter! This is exactly how the showdown between Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro is shaping up as the two Americans meet on Centre Court this Sunday. Gauff, the established star, has captured hearts with her powerful serves and commanding presence. On the other side of the net stands Navarro, the season’s breakout sensation, known for her surprising versatility. The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation. But what remains interesting to be seen is whether Emma’s biggest strength, her parents, will be there to support their daughter. 

The 23-year-old Wimbledon star is a daughter to mother Kelly and the billionaire business tycoon father, Ben. For Ben, who is the founder and chief operating officer of the Sherman Financial Group that runs Credit One, his love for tennis and his daughter’s matches is not new. The 61-year-old has been often spotted watching his superstar daughter practice and play on the courts. The Navarro couple were also spotted during Emma’s second-round match when she whisked out Naomi Osaka in straight sets in less than an hour. 

With the American tennis star all set to face her childhood friend Gauff in the fourth round, Ben and Kelly are once again expected to be present at the All-England Club to cheer for their daughter. And what could be a better occasion than this as their daughter etches more feat under her name? For Emma, this is the first time when she has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon and the second time in a Grand Slam. For the American, who suffered a first-round exit in 2023, there can be no better time than seeking her parents’ support. 

Emma has often credited her father for her success. In an interview with Tennis Channel in April, the American had said, “I got to give lot of credit to my dad, he’s he’s uh probably the smartest guy I know and he’s dropped a lot of knowledge and wisdom on my siblings and I, over the years.” Meanwhile, Ben has also reciprocated similarly for the sport and its impact on his children.

“As a fan, father, and business owner, tennis has brought so much to our family,” Ben told The Post and Courier in 2019. “Junior tennis has provided a place for our children to learn a work ethic, develop friendship through shared struggle, and learn to handle disappointment, defeat, and sometimes even unfairness.”

Ben and Kelly are the proud parents of four children. While Emma has already established herself her younger sister Meggie, is aspiring to follow in her sister’s footsteps. Interestingly, even Navarro’s next opponent Gauff is also closely related to the Navarro family. 

Emma’s childhood friend Coco is not undermining the Wimbledon star!

Coco has known Emma since childhood, thanks to her father Corey, who had her playing in advanced USTA age brackets during her junior days. Before separating from Gauff for her college, Navarro hit the tennis courts with her compatriot on multiple occasions. It is probably for this reason that the World No. 2 is not undermining her opponent. 

Despite having beaten Navarro 6-3, 6-1 in the semifinals of the WTA 250 in Auckland in January, Gauff was seen in all-out praises for her. Speaking to the press on Friday, Gauff shared, “Just growing up with her, I always knew she was very talented and knew her game would translate well on tour.” Continuing further, Gauff revealed the challenges she might face against Emma. 

“I think she has a very all-court game. Playing her is going to be a tough match. She’s had some good wins this tournament. I don’t expect it to be easy.” While only time will tell if Navarro can pose threats to Gauff, what remains certain is a fierce and intense showdown.