Emilio Nava, ranked No. 137 in the world, recently honored high school tennis standout Braun Levi, who died after being struck by an alleged drunk driver in Los Angeles, California, last month. Committed to raising awareness about drunk driving, Nava wore a dedicated patch as a tribute to Levi during the French Open.

According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, Levi, a senior at Loyola High School, was fatally hit in the early hours of May 4 on Sepulveda Boulevard by an intoxicated driver. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after, prompting nationwide mourning for the 18-year-old’s unexpected passing.

On June 3, Nava unveiled the Live Like Braun initiative, a campaign created to honor Levi’s memory and advocate against impaired driving.

“Tragedy hit on May 4th when a young man’s life was cut short by a drunk driver. Though I never had the privilege to meet Braun, his passing affected me deeply,” Emilio Nava wrote on Instagram earlier on Tuesday. “The impact he had on his community, his classmates, fellow tennis players, and everyone whose path he crossed is hard to put into words. To live life with such passion, to bring a smile to everyone around him, and to make a positive impact on those he touched are qualities and virtues we should all aspire to.”

“Since Roland Garros, I’ve been wearing the LLB, Live Like Braun, patch in his honor and to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Because the truth is it could have been me, you, any of us. I’ll continue to wear the patch for the rest of the season to keep his memory alive and to support this important cause,” he added.

Nava emphasized that the Live Like Braun Foundation aims to uphold the values Braun represented, including kindness, strength, and care for others, while advocating for safer communities.

“The Live Like Braun Foundation was created to carry forward the values Braun embodied such as kindness, strength, and a deep commitment to others,” he continued. “I grew up not far from Braun, and tragedies like this should never happen.”

Emilio Nava’s Recent Achievements on the ATP Challenger Tour

In 2025, Emilio Nava has compiled an impressive record at the ATP Challenger level, securing three titles in Sarasota, Concepcion, and Asuncion. These victories bring his total Challenger-level triumphs to five, all achieved on clay courts.

Between March and April, Nava embarked on a remarkable 19-match winning streak, culminating in a finals loss to Chris Rodesch at the Tallahassee Challenger. In a notable highlight of his career, Nava also received a wildcard entry at this year’s French Open, where he was eliminated in the second round by the tournament’s tenth seed, Holger Rune, in straight sets.

The Importance of Nava’s Campaign and Its Broader Impact

By honoring Braun Levi during a major event like the French Open and dedicating his platform to the Live Like Braun campaign, Emilio Nava shines a light on the severe consequences of drunk driving. His efforts serve not only to preserve the memory of a promising young athlete from his community, but also to inspire positive change through heightened awareness and prevention.

The ongoing commitment to wear the Live Like Braun patch throughout the season highlights the campaign’s goal of sustaining public attention on this critical issue. As the foundation grows, it is expected to promote the values Braun embodied and work toward preventing similar tragedies in the future.