Following Emma Navarro’s withdrawal from the US Open mixed doubles event, Jannik Sinner has found a new partner in Katerina Siniakova, a former world No. 1 doubles player. Navarro’s decision to skip the mixed doubles stems from her focus on the WTA 500 Monterrey Open, which begins its main draw on Monday, August 18, at Club Sonoma, where she is the top seed.
Navarro, an American rising star, has struggled on hard courts this season, winning only one match in the three lead-up tournaments before the US Open. She was defeated in the opening round at the Citi Open by Maria Sakkari, lost in the third round at the Canadian Open to Dayana Yastremska, and fell in three sets to qualifier Ella Seidel in Cincinnati. Notably, Navarro has never competed in doubles at a Grand Slam, which contrasts with the experience Siniakova brings to the partnership.
Katerina Siniakova boasts a highly successful doubles career, owning 10 Grand Slam doubles titles. She also secured a mixed doubles Grand Slam victory this year at Wimbledon alongside Sem Verbeek, underscoring her strength in both disciplines.
It remains uncertain if Sinner will actually compete in the US Open mixed doubles event. His participation is complicated by a scheduling conflict, as he is set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Masters final on Monday, August 18, with his first-round mixed doubles match scheduled less than 24 hours later. Sinner and Siniakova are slated to face Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic in that opening round.
Scheduling Challenges Impact Top Players at US Open and Cincinnati Masters
Jannik Sinner’s mixed doubles debut depends on how he recovers from the physically demanding Cincinnati final against Carlos Alcaraz. Similarly, Alcaraz’s status in the mixed doubles event is uncertain as he prepares for his own first match at Flushing Meadows, where he will partner with Emma Raducanu. Both men face a tight turnaround, as their singles final is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Monday, while mixed doubles matches begin Tuesday at 2:40 p.m. ET.
The overlap arises from recent calendar changes that extended both the Cincinnati Masters and Canadian Open to 12 days, leading to finals being played on weekdays rather than the traditional Sunday. This rare scheduling twist has caused criticism among players, including Carlos Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz Comments on Unusual Timing of Cincinnati Final
Alcaraz openly expressed his discomfort with playing a Masters 1000 final on a Monday, a shift from the established norm. During a press conference, he shared his thoughts on how this alteration affects preparation and mindset.
“Seeing as I am doing this press conference at 11 pm, I am just glad to have one day to recover. But at the same time, it is going to be weird playing a final on a Monday. I am going to feel like what’s going on? I don’t know. It’s a different feeling. I love playing the final on Sunday.” —Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz also discussed the adjustments required to accommodate late-night schedules, including late dinners and treatments, emphasizing the unusual nature of these changes.
“But it’s everything that you have to see from another perspective, because as I say, I am going to have dinner late, I am going to have treatment late, and go to bed late. So having that day is going to be much better to be ready for Monday. But at the same time, we are used to seeing a final on Sunday, and it’s going to be weird.” —Carlos Alcaraz
The Spanish star will meet Sinner in the Cincinnati final for the fourth time this season, holding a 2-1 lead in head-to-head matches played in Rome, Paris, and London. Their last encounter was the Wimbledon final, where Sinner claimed his maiden Grand Slam title after overcoming a set deficit.
Players Navigate Demands of an Extended Tennis Season
The evolving tennis calendar continues to challenge players balancing multiple events across continents. The 12-day format aims to reduce congestion but has introduced unique difficulties, with overlapping tournaments and tighter timelines for rest and travel. These issues are particularly acute for players like Sinner and Alcaraz, who compete in both singles and mixed doubles draws at major events.
In the Cincinnati Masters semifinals, Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev, while Sinner overcame Terence Atmane, setting the stage for their final clash. Both athletes are managing intense schedules that test endurance and strategic planning amid an increasingly packed ATP and WTA calendar.
Implications for the US Open Mixed Doubles Draw
With Emma Navarro’s withdrawal and Sinner’s uncertain mixed doubles participation, the US Open’s mixed doubles competition opens up for new contenders. The addition of a skilled doubles player like Katerina Siniakova elevates the level of competition for the pair that includes Sinner, despite the scheduling hurdles.
The first-round match against Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic promises a high-quality encounter, though outcomes remain unpredictable given the tight turnaround from Sinner’s singles final on the previous day. Fans and analysts will closely watch how the players handle these demanding circumstances.
Looking ahead, the compressed schedule might influence player decisions around entering multiple events, potentially shifting focus more toward singles play to preserve stamina. This dynamic could affect tournament draws and strategies as players adjust to the rigorous demands of back-to-back high-profile matches.