NEW YORK — Rising tennis star Jannik Sinner has been left scrambling for a mixed doubles partner at the US Open after American Emma Navarro withdrew from their planned pairing to compete in another tournament instead. The unexpected snub has thrown a wrench into Sinner’s preparation for the final Grand Slam of the year.
Navarro’s Last-Minute Withdrawal
Navarro, the 23-year-old American who has been climbing the WTA rankings this season, had initially committed to partnering with Sinner for the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows. However, she opted to prioritize her singles campaign at the WTA 250 event in Cleveland, which overlaps with the early rounds of the US Open. "It was a tough decision, but I felt focusing on singles was the right move for my development," Navarro said in a brief statement.
Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion and world No. 1, had reportedly been eager to test his doubles chemistry with Navarro, who has shown promise in both singles and doubles this season. The Italian star now faces a tight deadline to find a replacement partner before the entry deadline closes.
Sinner’s Doubles Dilemma
Mixed doubles has traditionally been a secondary focus for top singles players like Sinner, but the 22-year-old has expressed interest in refining his net game through doubles play. His coach, Darren Cahill, has previously emphasized the benefits of doubles in improving a player’s versatility. "Jannik sees value in doubles—it sharpens his reflexes and adds layers to his game," Cahill told reporters earlier this year.
With Navarro out of the picture, Sinner’s options are limited. Potential last-minute partners could include:
- Anna Kalinskaya – The Russian has experience in mixed doubles and is already entered in the women’s doubles draw.
- Storm Hunter – The Australian doubles specialist could be a strong fit if available.
- Mirra Andreeva – The teenage sensation has shown interest in mixed doubles before.
However, scheduling conflicts and existing commitments may complicate Sinner’s search. "It’s not easy to find a top-tier partner at this stage," a tournament insider noted.
Navarro’s Rising Stock
Navarro’s decision to skip mixed doubles underscores her growing confidence in singles. The Charleston native has enjoyed a breakout 2024 season, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and climbing to a career-high ranking of No. 22. Her aggressive baseline game has drawn comparisons to a young Jennifer Capriati.
Her coach, Peter Ayers, defended the choice: "Emma’s priority is to peak for the US Open singles. Doubles, while valuable, can be physically taxing, and we didn’t want to risk fatigue."
What’s Next for Sinner?
Sinner’s team is reportedly reaching out to several players to fill the void. If he fails to secure a partner, he may shift his focus entirely to singles, where he is one of the favorites for the title. The Italian has been in scintillating form this year, with three Masters 1000 titles and a dominant run at Melbourne Park.
A tournament spokesperson confirmed that substitutions are allowed until the draw is made, but time is running out. "We’ve seen last-minute changes before, but it’s rare for a player of Sinner’s caliber to be left in limbo," the spokesperson said.
Conclusion
The situation highlights the delicate balancing act players face when juggling singles and doubles commitments. For Navarro, the choice was clear, but for Sinner, it’s an unexpected hurdle in an otherwise stellar season. Whether he finds a new partner or goes solo, all eyes will be on the world No. 1 as he aims to add a US Open title to his growing résumé.
"In tennis, adaptability is key," Sinner said in a recent interview. If anyone can adjust on the fly, it’s him.