Emma Navarro Wants Focus on Tennis, Not Family Wealth, at Wimbledon
As Emma Navarro advances at Wimbledon, the rising American star is making headlines for her game—but she’d prefer to keep the conversation away from her billionaire father.
The 24-year-old, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, has breezed through her first two matches at the All England Club, defeating Veronika Kudermetova and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets. Her strong start sets up a third-round clash on July 5, where she’ll look to continue her breakthrough season.
Yet despite her on-court success, Navarro often finds herself fielding questions about her family’s wealth. Her father, Ben Navarro, is the founder of Sherman Financial Group and worth an estimated $4.8 billion—a fact that has followed her throughout her career.
“I Didn’t Grow Up Being Handed Things”
In an interview with Tatler ahead of Wimbledon, Navarro expressed frustration with being reduced to a “billionaire’s daughter” rather than being recognized for her own achievements.
“I don’t love being referred to as ‘whoever with however much money’s daughter,’” she said. “It’s a label I don’t really like.”
Navarro, who won the NCAA singles title in 2021 while at the University of Virginia, emphasized that her success stems from hard work, not privilege.
“We grew up in a traditional way,” she said. “We’d get up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning and go play tennis. It was a priority that we learned toughness and work ethic.”
While her father played a key role in her tennis development, Navarro credited her mother, Kelly, as the family’s stabilizing force. “She’s the rock of the family,” Navarro said.
Not the Only Billionaire’s Daughter on Tour
Navarro isn’t the only top American player with a billionaire parent. World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, daughter of Buffalo Bills and Sabres owner Terry Pegula ($7.6 billion net worth), has also faced similar scrutiny. Pegula, a recent US Open finalist, suffered a shocking early exit at Wimbledon this week, falling to world No. 116 Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
But unlike Pegula, who has embraced her family’s sports empire, Navarro has been more vocal about wanting her tennis to speak for itself.
A Breakthrough Season
With a strong grass-court game and newfound confidence, Navarro is poised for a deep Wimbledon run. Her dominant performances so far have silenced any doubts about her legitimacy as a top-tier player—regardless of her background.
As she prepares for her next match, Navarro’s focus remains clear: proving she belongs among the elite on her own terms.