Mariano Navone secured the most significant win of his professional career at the 2026 US Open on Sunday night, eliminating Novak Djokovic in a grueling five-set first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 25-year-old Argentine triumphed 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 over four hours and 36 minutes in Flushing Meadows, handing the former world number one his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2006 Australian Open.
The encounter unfolded under punishing humidity in New York, testing both players’ physical limits. Djokovic seized an early 3-0 lead in just thirteen minutes before Navone settled his nerves, aided by his support team and sports psychologist. “I was very nervous, he’s the poster boy, but then I got combative. I saw that he was hurting and I focused on my game,” Navone told ESPN after securing his maiden five-set victory at a major tournament. As the match progressed, Djokovic battled severe stomach issues and lower back pain, requiring multiple visits from the physiotherapist while his first-serve percentage dropped to 45 percent by the fourth set.
Following the conclusion of the match, Djokovic addressed the media regarding his physical state. “It’s obvious that I felt terrible on the court; I’ve been carrying vomiting and serious problems practically in all the matches this year,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion confessed to reporters. Despite acknowledging his opponent’s tenacity and calling him a “good guy and a fighter,” the Serbian star admitted he could not enjoy the competition under such physical constraints.
As the broadcast turned to wrap up the historic upset, John McEnroe offered a pointed assessment from the ESPN commentary booth. “You’ll be playing your second round on Court 21. We wish you the best,” McEnroe stated on air, adding that the Argentine “is going to have to try to play with that effort and intensity, but enjoy the moment, young man.”
The remarks drew immediate pushback across social media platforms from tennis supporters who viewed the commentary as unnecessary and dismissive of a career-defining milestone. Multiple users criticized the veteran analyst’s tone, arguing that the remarks detracted from a monumental victory achieved on tennis’s biggest stage.
Looking ahead to the next phase of the tournament, Mariano Navone must quickly recover for a second-round clash on Wednesday against the winner of the match between Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka.
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