Emma Navarro's early exit at Cincinnati a blow after dad's $300m investment in tournament
Updated . First published at
Billionaire heiress and eighth seed Emma Navarro has been stunningly sent packing from the Cincinnati Open, upset by German qualifier Ella Seidel in three sets on Monday morning (AEST).
After two hours and 10 minutes, Seidel prevailed 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to progress to the third round.
Ranked world No.125 and competing in her first WTA 1000 tournament, Seide progressed through the qualifying rounds to book her place in the main draw for the tune-up tournament for the US Open.
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Emma Navarro in action against Ella Seidel at the Cincinnati Open. Robert Prange via Getty Images
In the first set, Seidel broke with her first opportunity, going up 5-4 before saving several break points against her to take the set 6-4.
But Navarro responded in the second set, claiming the first five consecutive games to take the set comfortably.
With all the momentum going into the deciding set, it seemed that the local would be the one to go for the victory.
Navarro led 4-1, 30-15 in the final set before capitulating, losing five games in a row.
The win marks Seidel's first win against a top-20 player.
The loss is a huge blow to Navarro, whose billionaire father, Ben Navarro, has invested more than $300 million in this tournament.
Through his private investment firm, Beemok Capital, Ben Navarro purchased the tournament in October 2022 and recently funded significant upgrades to the venue and its facilities for players and spectators.
Navarro and her sister Margaret also lost their doubles match together on Sunday.
Ben Navarro also owns the Charleston Open.
With another early elimination, Navarro is struggling to find form after returning to hardcourts. She will arrive at the US Open with only one win and three defeats.
Seidel will face another American in McCartney Kessler, in the third round at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre in Mason, Ohio.
Fellow American heiress Jessica Pegula advanced after securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Australian Kimberly Birrell.
