Interactive Forum June 2025: Emma Navarro Forehands

[jeffreycounts]

I wonder how it does on grass. But overall very clean and smooth.

Meaning on a faster surface a longer stroke could be harder to time? That's been the take on Coco's forehand - that she does better on clay because she has more time to prepare her big swing. Emma beat Osaka pretty handily and played Pegula pretty close at Homburg, so maybe it's not an issue? I was shocked at how quickly she went out at Roland Garros where you'd think the slower surface would be better for a swing like this.

[arturohernandez]

I wonder how it does on grass. But overall very clean and smooth.

[don_budge]

Great forehand Emma. Greatest of all time last name...NAVARRO!!!

[rstrecker]

It’s a beautiful stroke. In terms of the ATP type-3 model that Brian Gordon has laid out and Chris Lewitt discusses this month, I can’t find anything to criticize. When I see Emma play a match, I see a lot more of the Nadal style finishes over her head but this likely reflects adaptation to higher balls than we see in the shots shown here. Here she looks more like Fed to me although her grip is more toward at least a semi-Western. The book is still out on whether a truly straight arm (Emma, Roger, Rafa, Jasmine Pauline) is fundamentally better than the more common bent arm hitting structures (Nole, Serena, Jannik, and most of the WTA/ATP players on TV) or whether this is more like the platform v pinpoint stance on the serve, i.e., closer to a style adaptation where players should listen to their own bodies and learn what gives them the best results.

[jeffreycounts]

Emma Navarro Forehands

Emma Navarro is one of the brightest rising stars in American tennis. Currently ranked in the Top 10, she made a breakthrough run to the US Open semifinals last year, showcasing the talent and toughness that made her an NCAA champion. While her recent first-round exit at Roland Garros—0-6, 1-6—raised eyebrows, there’s no question that Emma remains one of the most promising players on the tour.

This month, we’re spotlighting Emma’s forehand—an unusual and powerful straight-arm stroke that sets her apart technically. In his new article “The Physics of Power,” Chris Lewitt analyzes the biomechanics of straight-arm forehands and highlights Emma as a prime example. As Chris notes, the longer lever created by the straight arm can generate exceptional force and acceleration.

What do you see in Emma’s forehand mechanics? How does it compare to other straight-arm hitters like Nadal or Del Potro? Do you think this style gives her an edge—or adds vulnerability?

We’d love to hear your insights!