Tennis fans got a fun preview of the 2025 US Open action when Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner stepped away from their serious training to battle it out in a lighthearted ping-pong match in New York.
The four-time Grand Slam champion and the defending US Open titlist faced off on a custom Baccarat red table during a pre-tournament event, with Osaka graciously accepting defeat and complimenting Sinner on his “talent.” Not one to let the moment pass without some competitive spirit, the former World No. 1 playfully challenged him to a rematch, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their off-court personalities.
How Did Jannik Sinner Handle the Ping-Pong Pressure Against Naomi Osaka?
The playful competition unfolded ahead of the 2025 US Open, where both Osaka and Sinner arrived as serious contenders following strong summer performances. Sinner entered New York as the top seed, ready to defend his US Open crown despite retiring due to illness against Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open final.
Meanwhile, Osaka reached the Canadian Open final before falling to rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko. The friendly clash at the Baccarat Hotel’s “Annual Petit Slam” event provided a perfect moment of levity before both players shifted their focus to the serious business at Flushing Meadows.
At the event, Osaka and Sinner drew plenty of attention as they picked up the signature red paddles for their spirited ping-pong showdown. Sinner kept things casual in a crisp white polo and beige trousers, while Osaka brought style with a black cropped jacket and matching cap.
During their rally, Osaka couldn’t help but acknowledge Sinner’s skill at the table, telling him, “You’re actually really good.” The Italian tennis star ultimately won the mini-match, prompting Osaka to offer more praise: “You have some talent.”
The friendly interaction didn’t end there. Osaka later shared the clip with her Instagram followers, posting the lighthearted exchange with the caption, “Rematch soon @janniksin.”
😭 pic.twitter.com/ewWfeZfGX4
— 💫 (@jannikssmiley) August 22, 2025
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What Are the Stakes for Both Players in This Year’s US Open?
When the real competition begins, both players will carry serious expectations into Flushing Meadows. Osaka enters the US Open as the 23rd seed, opening against Greet Minnen, whom she previously defeated in Madrid. Should she advance, a second-round matchup with either Hailey Baptiste or Kateřina Siniaková awaits.
For Sinner, the pressure of defending his title starts immediately. He begins his championship defense against Vít Kopřiva, marking their first career meeting. A potential clash with Alexei Popyrin or Emil Ruusuvuori looms in the second round.
With a possible deep run ahead for both players, the Italian will be looking to back up his breakthrough 2024 triumph, where he claimed his first US Open title. The ping-pong showdown provided a lighthearted moment before both turned their attention to the serious business of Grand Slam tennis.
AloJapan.com