Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner were one of the many eye-catching teams when the initial lineup for the US Open mixed doubles was announced.
The US Open has officially released the full entry list for their revamped mixed doubles event this year, with Sinner and Navarro currently the top ranked team.
Despite partnering the world number one, Navarro joked that she was worried about Sinner after watching him at Wimbledon.
Now, the American has revealed what her plan for Sinner is when they take to the court at the US Open next month.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesEmma Navarro reveals what she wants Jannik Sinner to do at the US Open
While Sinner is currently taking some time away from the matchcourt, Navarro is already back to competition at the Washington Open.
When speaking in her press conference ahead of the ATP/WTA 500 tournament, Navarro was asked about playing with Sinner at the US Open next month.
In her response, Navarro joked that she was hoping Sinner would do all of the work for their team.
“Yeah, I’m excited to play,” said Navarro. “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. Yeah, we might get the job done that way (smiling).
“But, no, I’m excited. I think he’s an incredible player, of course, and I think we’ll have fun together. I’m excited.”
A further question about Sinner was asked to Navarro about how she reacted when she first found out they would be playing together.
The world number 11 answered in a humorous way once again, “I fell on the ground, was crying (smiling). Yes, banging my fists on the table. Yeah, huge reaction.”
What are the different rules for the US Open this year?
The US Open has completely overhauled mixed doubles this year, with the format completely changing from previous editions.
One of the most significant alterations the US Open has made is reducing the draw down from 32 teams to just 16.
Those 16 teams will be decided in two ways, the first eight through a combined singles ranking and the second eight via wildcards awarded by the US Open.
- Played over just two days
- 16 team event – eight through combined singles ranking, eight through wildcards
- First three rounds played in sets to four, no-ad scoring, third set played as a 10-point match tie-break
- Final played in traditional sets to six, still no-ad scoring, third set played as a 10-point match tie-break
- $1million prize money goes to eventual champions
The US Open has received a lot of criticism for their changes, with even the scoring system being switched for the first three rounds.
All of this will be put into practice when the US Open mixed doubles event takes place on August 19-20, with the champions receiving $1million in prize money, which is $800,000 more than the winners received last year.