The pair at the top of the combined entry rankings is formed by men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and women’s world No. 10 Emma Navarro.
And it turns out there is not much backstory behind the pairing.
“It was very unexpected, to be honest,” laughed Sinner when he was asked about it ahead of Wimbledon.
“Look, I just met her yesterday for the first time. We never talked. We never texted to each other. It’s actually a funny story.
“The tournament, they wanted us to kind of play together because certain teams were already set up. The choice was not big, but I’m very happy to play with Emma.”
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Emma Navarro
Image credit: Getty Images
Asked whether he plans to get to know Navarro before they play at the US Open, Sinner said: “Yeah, I hope before the first time we step on court.”
The mixed doubles at the US Open has been revamped to be played over two days in the week before the Grand Slam starts.
The new format has drawn criticism from specialist doubles players, who have been excluded and replaced by top-ranking singles players.
“A Grand Slam is a competition steeped in history, in singles and doubles. And now, all of a sudden, the doubles becomes a super exhibition without anyone or anything having a say,” said former doubles No. 1 Kristina Mladenovic.
“There’s no problem putting on such an event, but above all, don’t call it a Grand Slam.”
Last year’s US Open mixed doubles was won by Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who are among the 16 teams competing this August.
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Sinner said he is “very excited” to play in the new-look competition in New York: “It’s something new. I think it’s very exciting for the fans to see something different.
“The best singles player playing doubles is always something fun to watch. We have something similar – obviously not mixed – in Indian Wells and Miami.
“This time, I think the teams are very, very high level, the best players to play. It’s going to be exciting to see. I’m looking forward to it.”
Sinner will play his first-round match at Wimbledon on Tuesday against Luca Nardi.
