Navarro is the No. 10 seed in Rome this week.
No. 10 seed Emma Navarro opens her 2025 Italian Open campaign in Rome against Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia on Friday. The World No. 85 came into the tournament as a qualifier, before entering the main draw as a lucky loser. On the other hand, Navarro received a bye in Round-1. The winner of this match will face either Clara Tauson or Katie Volynets in the Round of 32.
Emma Navarro has won a solitary title in 2025 – the Merida Open Akron. She stunned the world with a statement 6-0 6-0 victory over Emiliana Arango in the final. Apart from this, the 23-year-old has not managed to string a consistent set of performances. At last week’s Madrid Open, Navarro was ousted by 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic in three sets. The 2024 US Open semifinalist has a 15-10 record this year.
Lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova thrashed Wang Xinyu of China 6-3 6-2 in the opening round. Xinyu was originally slated to face former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, before the Czech star withdrew due to a shoulder injury. As a result Rakhimova, who lost in qualifying, entered the main draw. The 23-year-old has made a Round of 16 appearance each in March and April – at WTA 125 events.
The head to head record between Emma Navarro and Kamilla Rakhimova is 0-0. They are yet to face each other ahead of Friday’s Round of 64 contest. Navarro starts as the favourite in this battle of 23-year-olds.
| Emma Navarro | Category | Kamilla Rakhimova |
| 0 | Grand Slams | 0 |
| 2 | WTA Singles Titles | 0 |
| 0 | WTA Doubles Titles | 3 |
| 0 | WTA-1000 Titles | 0 |
| R3 (Paris 2024) | Olympics Best Performance | – |
| No. 9 | Current World Ranking | No. 85 |
Emma Navarro will adopt an attacking approach against her lower ranked opponent. The American will look for some down the line angles, followed by approaches to the net to finish the point. Rakhimova could potentially engage in cross-court exchanges, but a positive result seems challenging.
Prediction: Emma Navarro in straight sets.
Emma Navarro Win: 1/8
Kamilla Rakhimova Win: 9/2
