Emma Navarro and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner are set to be one of the most exciting pairs in the revamped mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open. The two-day tournament, scheduled for August 19 and 20 during Fan Week, promises fast-paced action and a massive $1 million prize for the winning team. Among 16 high-profile pairs announced, the Sinner–Navarro duo stands out, not just for their talent but for the amusing way their partnership came to be.
In a recent interview with Tennis Channel, Navarro playfully revealed her side of the story, claiming Sinner “was begging” her to play. She said, “Yeah, he was begging me to play. He was saying, you know, I heard about your volleys and your doubles skills. Please, please, will you play with me?” Laughing, she added, “You’re not the best player, but I’ll make an exception and try to get a better partner next.” While clearly joking, her comments highlighted the light-hearted spirit with which both stars are approaching the event.
Jannik Sinner, for his part, had earlier explained the truth behind the team-up during his pre-Wimbledon press conference. According to him, neither he nor Navarro had ever met or even exchanged messages before. The idea to pair them came directly from the US Open tournament organizers, who were curating unique and star-studded combinations for the new format. Sinner called the whole situation “very unexpected” but said he was looking forward to the experience.
Navarro is embracing the challenge and the opportunity to play alongside the top-ranked men’s player in the world. “I think it’s going to be fun,” she said. “I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain, and I think it’ll be really fun. So I’m excited.” Her attitude reflects not only her growing confidence on tour but also her desire to take on new roles in different formats of the game.
Despite all the humor, Navarro acknowledged the pressure of teaming up with a top-tier player. She joked that playing with Sinner was “not too shabby” and then added seriously, “I’m going to have a lot of pressure and expectations to live up to. I know he’s going to be hitting clean forehands, backhands, and aces all over the court.” With both players currently performing well at Wimbledon, their upcoming US Open debut is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated attractions of the event.
'When We Played...': Jannik Sinner Reflects On Early Playing Days With Carlos Alcaraz In Wimbledon Interview; Video
Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has shared heartfelt praise for Carlos Alcaraz during an interview at Wimbledon 2025, acknowledging the Spaniard's special talent that was evident even in their early days on the Challenger circuit. The two young players have quickly become key figures in the next generation of men’s tennis, often compared for their similar trajectory toward the top of the sport.
Speaking candidly about their shared history and mutual rise through the ranks, Sinner reflected on how Alcaraz’s exceptional qualities were noticeable from a young age. “You have certain players where you feel like they have something special,” Sinner said. “Carlos had already this when he was young, when we played in the Challengers. You see straight away, you know, the sound of the ball, the way he moves and everything.”
The admiration between Sinner and Alcaraz has been evident in their rivalry, which has grown into one of the most thrilling matchups in modern tennis. Both players have pushed each other in intense battles at Grand Slams and ATP tournaments, and their mutual respect has only deepened with time.
As Wimbledon progresses, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on both stars, with hopes of witnessing another chapter in their evolving on-court story. Sinner’s comments not only reinforce Alcaraz’s exceptional gift but also shine a light on the humility and competitive spirit that define this new golden era of tennis.
