(VIDEO) "I need you to step up your game": Emma Navarro sends hilarious message to Jannik Sinner ahead of US Open mixed doubles
WTA
World No. 11 Emma Navarro sent a congratulatory message to Jannik Sinner on social media after the Italian secured the Wimbledon title. The American, set to be Sinner's mixed doubles partner at the US Open, jokingly expressed her hope that Sinner can improve his net play for the tournament and "match her level."
Just a couple of weeks ago, the US Open mixed doubles pairings were announced, with Navarro and Sinner forming a surprising partnership. Both players will team up in the innovative mixed doubles format of the upcoming Grand Slam, which will feature virtually the entire men's and women's top 10.
Other teams that caught attention include Jack Draper with Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina with Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, and Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu, among others. All will compete the week prior to the singles draw for a million-dollar prize for the winning team.
Navarro will arrive with high ambitions for the tournament, especially considering she'll be partnering with the best male player of the moment, winner of three of the last four Slams and World No. 1 with a significant lead over his pursuer, Carlos Alcaraz.
Read also
The 24-year-old American had a congratulatory message for her upcoming doubles partner, and she playfully joked in a funny video about aspects Sinner needs to improve to get to her level. “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,” Navarro said.
“But, you know, I’m just getting a little bit worried because I didn’t see, you know, that much net play. You did hit a tweener between your legs at the net at one point, which was, you know, kind of cool or whatever, but you missed the overhead.”
“I don’t even know if that really counts. 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 doubles pretty much everyday, so, I need you to step up your game a little bit and sort of match my level there.”
The mixed doubles will have a total main draw of 16 teams and will be played during the US Open Fan Week between Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, providing a high-level spectacle for fans before the start of the singles draws.
Time to get to work 😤
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 17, 2025
Emma Navarro and @janniksin have entered the US Open Mixed Doubles Championships and Emma wants to ensure Jannik is at the top of his game 😅 pic.twitter.com/iW4mkm2fyB
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
