Emma Navarro, a US tennis player, expressed disdain for her opponent Qinwen Zheng in the third round of women's singles at the Paris 2024 Olympics, accusing her of being "cut-throat" and lacking camaraderie. Zheng, ranked No. 7, responded in a diplomatic manner, stating that she welcomed Navarro's criticism as an opportunity for self-improvement.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, one of the women's tennis players representing the United States, Emma Navarro, was eliminated in the third round of women's singles by China's Qinwen Zheng in a three-set match. However, it was the post-match events that created a stir at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
Navarro and Zheng reportedly had an altercation at the net after Zheng won the match point by a score of 6-7, 7-6, 6-1.
Navarro Blasts Zheng as "Cut-Throat" After Olympics Loss
Reporters began asking Navarro questions about the confrontation after the match, and she did not hesitate to express her disapproval of Zheng, the Olympics' No. 7-ranked women's tennis player.
"I informed her that I had no respect for her as a competitor," Navarro said, as reported by the New York Post. "I think her approach is quite cut-throat. It creates a locker room with little camaraderie, making it challenging to face an opponent like that, someone I don't respect."
Navarro Blasts Zheng as "Cut-Throat" After Olympics Loss
The intensity of competition is one of the many reasons why the Olympics are so captivating to watch, regardless of the sport. Zheng is known for taking her game seriously, but her style doesn't sit well with Navarro.
While Navarro didn't offer specifics on what she found to be cut-throat about Zheng's behavior, the Chinese star revealed what the American had said to her on the net while taking the diplomatic route.
Navarro Blasts Zheng as "Cut-Throat" After Olympics Loss
"She expressed to me that she couldn't understand why I had so many fans," Zheng explained. "It appears that she is dissatisfied with my interactions with her. If she has any concerns about my behavior, she can approach me directly, and I will try to rectify it to become a better player and person."
Zheng, 21, stated that she was appreciative that Navarro had brought the issue up with her directly at the net. However, she also took a subtle jab at her.
"I won't take it as an attack since she lost the match," Zheng stated.
Zheng advanced to the quarterfinals of women's singles, where she will face Angelique Kerber of Germany.
After Navarro's elimination, Danielle Collins is the lone remaining American with a chance to medal, as Coco Gauff suffered a shocking defeat to Croatia's Donna Vekic on Tuesday.
In the aftermath of her loss to Zheng, Navarro's criticism of her opponent has sparked a debate about sportsmanship and the competitive spirit at the highest level. It remains to be seen whether Zheng's response will be enough to mend the rift between the two players.
