American tennis player Emma Navarro has humorously addressed her unexpected partnership with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the upcoming mixed doubles exhibition at the 2025 US Open. Announced during the Mubadala Citi DC Open, Navarro joked about her plan to “stand in the alley” and let Sinner manage most of the play on court in this high-profile event.
High Stakes and Star-Studded Pairings Highlight the US Open Mixed Doubles Event
The US Open’s two-day mixed doubles showcase features a $1 million prize, creating an exciting challenge for the players involved. Scheduled for August 19 and 20 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the event will showcase 16 notable pairs including Naomi Osaka with Nick Kyrgios, Iga Świątek paired with Casper Ruud, Elena Rybakina alongside Taylor Fritz, and Novak Djokovic playing with Olga Danilović.
Among these duos, the combination of Navarro and Sinner has drawn considerable attention for its novelty and the contrast in their experience and rankings.
Navarro Shares Her Humorous Reaction to Partnering with Sinner
During a press conference in Washington, D.C., Emma Navarro was asked about her surprise pairing with Jannik Sinner. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg recalled discussing Sinner’s amusement over the fact that the two met only the day before at Wimbledon. Navarro responded with laughter:
Yeah, I’m excited to play. I think I’ll try to make him hit all the shots, and I’ll stand over in the alley and, you know, cover whatever, however many feet that is over in the alley.
She added with a smile,
Yeah, we might get the job done that way,
before sincerely expressing her enthusiasm,
I think he’s an incredible player, of course, and I think we’ll have fun together. I’m excited.
—Emma Navarro, Tennis Player
Funny Moments Continue as Navarro Recalls Her Initial Reaction
When prompted by Rothenberg about how she first felt upon learning she would team up with Sinner, Navarro shared a comical response:
I fell on the ground, was crying. Yes, banging my fists on the table. Yeah, huge reaction.
—Emma Navarro, Tennis Player
Current Tour Commitments and Upcoming Matches for Emma Navarro
Aside from the upcoming US Open challenge, Emma Navarro is also competing in the Mubadala Citi DC Open as the tournament’s second seed. She received a bye into the second round and is set to face Maria Sakkari next. This match will be their fourth meeting on the WTA Tour, with Sakkari leading their head-to-head series 2-1 after their recent hard-fought quarterfinal at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where Sakkari secured a three-set victory.
Event Significance and What to Expect from the Navarro-Sinner Partnership
The mixed doubles exhibition at the US Open reflects the USTA’s effort to innovate the fan experience by introducing high-profile, entertaining pairings accompanied by a substantial financial incentive. Navarro and Sinner’s partnership draws attention not only because of their contrasting styles and experience but also because it showcases the lighter side of professional tennis with playful interaction and mutual respect. Fans can look forward to an engaging performance from this duo on August 19 and 20, as well as continued competitive action from Navarro on the WTA Tour in Washington, D.C.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Emma Navarro’s gender?
A. Navarro played tennis for the University of Virginia during college and won the NCAA Singles Championship in 2021. She became the first woman NCAA singles champion to make it to the US Open semifinals.