Emma Navarro’s 2025 French Open campaign ended before it ever really began, and Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, wasn’t shy in sharing his disbelief over the way she lost.
The ninth-seeded American was ousted in a 0-6, 1-6 blowout by Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round. Gilbert, known for his blunt and sharp takes on tennis, reacted on social media and didn’t hold back, calling Navarro’s showing anything but typical.
Emma Navarro Endures Her Most Disappointing French Open Showing Yet
Navarro, ranked No. 9 in the world, entered Roland Garros with some momentum after a quarterfinal run at the WTA 500 in Strasbourg. This was her third main-draw appearance at the French Open.
Across the net, Bouzas Maneiro, ranked No. 68 and winless in her only previous main-draw match in Paris, looked like the underdog. But the Spaniard flipped the script, dominating the match in just 55 minutes.
What stood out more than the scoreline was the way Navarro lost. Gilbert, who formerly coached Gauff and is now a prominent tennis analyst, reacted in real time while following live scores. On X, he wrote, “Wow just seeing live scores what happened to Emma Navarro, got hammered by Spanish player Manero.”
Wow just seeing live scores what happened to Emma Navarro, got hammered by Spanish player Manero
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) May 26, 2025
Gilbert’s comment reflected the shock felt across the tennis world, especially since Navarro had shown plenty of fight all season. Fans quickly joined in on the conversation. One user replied to Gilbert, suggesting Navarro may not have been fully healthy.
“Some speculate illness perhaps was a factor. She didn’t seem to put in effort to chase down some balls which is unlike her.”
Gilbert didn’t confirm anything but seemed to agree, replying, “Very unlike her.”
Very unlike her
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) May 26, 2025
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro’s Upcoming Challenges at Roland Garros
For Navarro, the loss will sting. But for Bouzas Maneiro, it marked a major step forward, as it was her first main-draw win at Roland Garros. The Spaniard will now face another American, Robin Montgomery, in the second round on Wednesday, May 28.
In doubles, Bouzas Maneiro will team up with Varvara Gracheva to take on the No. 15 seeds, Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Liudmila Samsonova, in the opening round.
After her straight-set win over Navarro, Bouzas Maneiro said, “I didn’t expect the result, but I always try to play my best, and I think everything is possible. I feel good playing on clay, and winning here at Roland Garros is so special to me.”
