Emma Navarro didn’t hold back when advising Jannik Sinner on his net game ahead of their US Open mixed doubles partnership. The American tennis player, who recently watched Sinner claim his first Wimbledon title, gave him candid coaching tips focused on improving his performance at the net.
Navarro shared a playful yet clear message via a video posted by the US Open, emphasizing the importance of refining Sinner’s net skills for their upcoming matches. She opened by congratulating him for the Wimbledon triumph, acknowledging his impressive overall play, but quickly pointed out areas needing attention.
She remarked,
“Hey Jannik, it’s Emma here. Just want to say huge congrats on the Wimbledon title. I watched a lot of your matches. I watched the final, and you look like, you’re playing a lot of good tennis.”
However, Navarro raised concerns about Sinner’s limited net presence during the tournament.
“But I’m just getting a little bit worried because I didn’t see that much net play. You did hit a tweener between your legs at the net at one point, which was kind of cool or whatever, but you missed the overhead. I don’t even know if that really counts,”
she commented.
She wrapped up her advice by stressing the need for dedicated practice in doubles net play.
“I’m gonna need you to, just put in a good bit of work at the net on the doubles court in the next month or so, and hopefully, you can kind of improve that part of your game, because I’m out here working hard at doubles pretty much every day. So I need you to step up your game a little bit and sort of match my level there. Let’s get to work, buddy,”
Navarro concluded.
This lighthearted but determined challenge reflects the duo’s focus on synergy as they prepare to compete together.
Background on Jannik Sinner’s Historic Wimbledon Win and Its Impact
Sinner’s remarks come on the heels of his landmark victory at Wimbledon 2025, where he triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. This achievement marked Sinner as the first Italian male player to claim the Wimbledon title in the tournament’s 148-year history, as well as his fourth Grand Slam win overall.
His success at such a prestigious event has intensified attention on his upcoming mixed doubles performance with Navarro, setting high expectations for the partnership’s potential. The upcoming US Open Mixed Doubles Championship offers a new challenge, requiring both players to adapt their singles skills to the fast-paced doubles format.
How Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner’s Partnership Was Formed
The pairing of Navarro and Sinner was unexpected, as neither had met nor communicated before being teamed up by tournament officials. Sinner shared this background during his pre-Wimbledon press briefing, saying,
“I just met her yesterday for the first time,”
and added,
“We never talked or texted to each other. It’s actually a funny story.”
Despite their unfamiliarity, both players bring strong credentials to the court. Navarro, ranked No. 11 globally and a 2024 US Open singles semifinalist, offers solid doubles experience and confidence in net play, crucial aspects of mixed doubles competition.
The 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles event has been revamped as a standalone tournament during Fan Week on August 19-20. Matches will take place in the iconic Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums, amplifying the event’s prestige. The winning team will receive a $1 million prize, a substantial increase from the $200,000 awarded the previous year.
Strengths Navarro Brings and Format Challenges for the Mixed Doubles Event
Navarro’s doubles expertise stems from both professional and collegiate experience. She attained a career-high doubles ranking of No. 93 and showcased her skills in college tennis, reaching the NCAA doubles semifinals with partner Rosie Johanson. Her understanding of doubles strategy and net play significantly benefits the team dynamic she aims to build with Sinner.
The mixed doubles competition features 16 teams: eight pairs qualify based on combined singles rankings, and eight are wild cards. Matches use a shortened format with sets playing to four games and no-ad scoring, demanding sharp reflexes and strong teamwork.
With this unique setup, both Navarro and Sinner must quickly synchronize their playing styles to maximize their chances for success.
Expectations for Navarro and Sinner’s Mixed Doubles Campaign at the US Open
As the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship approaches, Navarro and Sinner are poised to combine their notable singles achievements with a strong doubles effort. Navarro’s direct coaching on net play signals a shared commitment to elevating their overall performance.
This focus is critical because mixed doubles requires specialized skills that differ from singles play, particularly in volleying and positioning at the net. Their ability to adjust will likely influence how far they advance in the tournament amid a highly competitive field.
Their partnership exemplifies a fusion of emerging talent and experience, promising an engaging storyline during the August event that tennis fans will eagerly follow.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Emma Navarro’s gender?
A. Navarro played tennis for the University of Virginia. In 2021, she won the NCAA Singles Championship. She then became the first woman singles NCAA champion to make it to the US Open semifinals.
Q. Is Emma Navarro’s dad a billionaire?
A. Navarro’s father is Ben Navarro, an American billionaire. Forbes says his net worth is around $4.8 billion. This is 1,043 times more than what his daughter has made in tennis earnings.