'He was begging me to play' - Emma Navarro shares humorous origin of her US Open mixed doubles pairing with Jannik Sinner

With the US Open adopting a new format for the mixed doubles event this year, several tennis superstars have found themselves pairing up for the event. Amongst the teams is that of Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, whom will be playing as doubles partners for the first time.

The US Open shed it's traditional format of mixed doubles for a more modern version that will see top-ranked singles players team up to compete at the event. Furthermore, the number of games will be reduced, with the event taking place over a few days before the start of the singles tournaments at Flushing Meadows.

Navarro reveals origin behind team up with Sinner

Several high-powered teams will be competing in New York this year, with the likes of former US Open singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu playing alongside each other. Serbians Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic will attempt to win the inaugural event, but will face stiff opposition from other pairings including Americans Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud amongst others.

Navarro will be teaming with the World No.1 in New York, with Sinner having prevailed in the men's singles tournament last year. When asked at the ongoing Wimbledon Championships how her team came about, Navarro responded with a touch of humor.

"He was begging me to play," said the American with a smile. "I said 'yeah sure. I guess I'll play with you. You're not the best player but I'll make an exception and try to get a better partner next year.
"No, I'm just kidding. I think it's going to be fun. I got to hold up my end of the bargain on my half. I think it will be really fun so I'm excited."

Both Sinner and Navarro are through to the second round at SW19, with the Italian taking on Aleksandar Vukic while Navarro battles Veronika Kudermetova.